Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems

Studies on population dynamics of scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum Jacoby on banana plants (cv. Basrai) conducted during the last four years (2001–2005) at Horticultural Research Station, Birauly (Bihar, India) indicated seasonal fluctuations in population of this pest from March to October each year.

The multiple regression equation showed that the maximum temperature, minimum R.H. and rainfall had non-significant effect on the incidence of scarring beetle whereas minimum temperature and maximum R.B. had positive and significant effect on the beetle population. The coefficient of determination (R²) suggested meteorological factors accounted for about 85 per cent of the incidence of scarring beetle population.