Weather parameters influence population and larval parasitization of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in chickpea ecosystem

Interrelation studies on insect-host i.e., Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and its parasitoids Campoletis chlorideae (Uchida) with weather variables were carried out. Maximum parasitization (90%) of H. armigera by C. chlorideae was recorded on early instars larvae in chilly January, which diminished initial pest population build up. Maximum prevalence of H. armigera larvae was noticed at podding stage of chickpea with abrupt temperature rise by 5°C in February. Temperature (Max & Min) exhibited a significant positive role on the larval population of the pest. Explicitly, relative humidity did not play any precise function in the multiplication and parasitization of H. armigera. The sunshine (hrs.) revealed significant positive association with pest, and longer sunshine hours marred the parasitization. Rainfall (mm/week) apparently did not expose any consistence role either with pest population or parasitoids. This discovered weather parameters exceedingly associated with population build up; and early stage larval parasitization of H. armigera by C. chlorideae to eventual mortality up to 90 per cent. The findings definitely suggest regular monitoring of chickpea crop to ascertain pest regulating factors for the strategic management of H. armigera.