Survey for the incidence and effect of weather factor on insect pests and natural enemies on cauliflower ecosystem in Samastipur district of Bihar

A total of 24 species of insect pests and 13 species of natural enemies documented in the cauliflower ecosystem during the cropping periods. The diamondback moth, tobacco caterpillar, and aphid were identified as significant pests infesting cauliflower during the major cropping periods. The tobacco caterpillar was responsible for significant crop damage in early and mid-season varieties, while the diamondback moth showed significant incidence during mid and late seasons. Aphids persisted throughout most of the cropping period. Coccinellids and syrphids were identified as potential predators, with Cotesia sp. and Oomyzus sp. targeting diamondback moth, and Bracon sp. focusing tobacco caterpillar as the predominant parasitic groups found in the cauliflower ecosystem. Weather factor significantly influenced the incidence and temporal distribution of insect pests and their natural enemies. Correlation studies revealed the significant influence on insect pests and their natural enemies by weather factors, reflecting their influence on their incidence level and damaging potential.