Population dynamics of major insect-pest of Black gram in relation to meteorological parameters

The study, conducted to explore the population dynamics of key insect pests (whitefly, jassid, Epilachna beetle, and pod borer) in black gram crops and their correlation with abiotic factors. Whitefly and jassid populations peaked at 2.46 leaves^-3 and 0.98 leaves^-3 during the 36^th SMW, respectively, positively correlating with maximum/minimum temperatures and rainfall, and negatively correlating with relative humidity. Epilachna beetle populations peaked at 1.23 plant^-1 during the 36^th SMW, showing positive correlations with all weather parameters except minimum humidity. Pod borer populations peaked at 1.08 larvae plant^-1 during the 37^th SMW, negatively correlating with all weather parameters except maximum temperature.