Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of chilli in relation to weather parameters in Andhra Pradesh

Field experiments were conducted during 2007–08 and 2008–09 to study the seasonal incidence and impact of weather parameters on insect pests of chilli in Andhra Pradesh. The results revealed that the infestation and severity of insect pests were highly influenced by weather parameters. Thrips population reached its peak (1.80/leaf) in the 52^nd Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). Mite population steadily reached two peaks levels during 47^th and 3^rd SMW and over all its peak (16.0/leaf) was recorded in 3^rd SMW in 2007–08 and in 52^nd SMW (21.27/leaf). The highest per cent damage of blossom midge was recorded in 47^th SMW (16.42) and 50^th SMW (63.79) in 2007-8 and 2008–09 respectively. Thrips population had positive correlation with maximum temperature and negative correlation with minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity and rain fall in both the years. Mite population had positive correlation with minimum temperature (r = 0.510, 0.468), but morning relative humidity had no significant effect.