Population dynamics of Zoophytophagous mi rid bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Miridae) and its prey, Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato (Solatium lycopersicum Mill)

Regular surveys were undertaken to record the incidence of zoophytophagous mirid bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Miridae,) in different villages of Bangalore Urban District during rabi season of 2011- 2012 on tomato crop. Weekly field observations of N. tenuis and its prey Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) were recorded on two tomato varieties viz., Arka Sourabh and Arka Vikas at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore. Correlation analyses between abiotic factors and incidence of N. tenuis mean population/plant, considering both varieties, indicated positive correlation with minimum temperature and wind velocity. Morning relative humidity exhibited significant negative correlation, while maximum temperature, evening humidity, wind velocity, evaporation and rainfall showed non significant negative correlation with N tenuis. Incidence of B. tabaci mean population/plant showed significant positive correlation with evening humidity while minimum temperature, morning humidity and rainfall exhibited non significant positive correlation. Maximum temperature, wind velocity and evaporation showed non significant negative correlation with the incidence of B. tabaci. Both nymphs and adults of N. tenuis were often found on the younger plant shoots inflicting feeding damage viz., brown necrotic rings around leaf petiole and growing shoots. With increased population, the bugs were found also on the middle and lower part of the plants.