Seasonal trends and abiotic influences on major insect pests of brinjal

Present study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of major insect pests of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and their correlation with abiotic factors. Infestation of jassids and whiteflies was first observed in the 4th week of August (35th SMW) and peaked in the 4th week of October (43rd SMW). Both pests showed a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.521 and r = 0.516) and a significant negative correlation with average relative humidity (r = -0.594 and r = -0.567). Shoot infestation appeared in the 35th SMW and peaked in the 40th SMW, with a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.556). Fruit infestation by Leucinodes orbonalis began in the 41st SMW and peaked in the 46th SMW, showing significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.602, r = 0.889) and strong negative correlation with relative humidity (r = -0.856, r = -0.920).