Impact of seasonal weather patterns on the incidence of key insect pests affecting nectarine orchards in Kashmir

A field study was conducted at the stone fruit block, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar to assess the seasonal incidence of pests affecting nectarine in relation to weather parameters during 2022.The study identified aphids, thrips, and mites as the most significant insect pests causing considerable damage to nectarine trees. The results recorded highest aphid population as recorded during 23^rd -24^th SMW (54.44 aphids/shoot), 21^st -22^nd SMW (64.48 aphids/leaf), and 11^th -12^th SMW (43.38 aphids/flower). Thrip incidence was highest during 19^th -20^th SMW (48.62 thrips/shoot), 23^rd -24^th SMW (53.58 thrips/leaf), and 15^th -16^th SMW (47.38 thrips/flower). The peak incidence of mites was observed during the 29^th -30^th SMW (44.08 mites/shoot), 31^st -32^nd SMW (50.94 mites/leaf), and 11^th -12^th SMW (34.54 mites/flower).Correlation studies revealed that pest populations (aphids, thrips, and mites) were positively correlated with temperature (both minimum and maximum) and negatively correlated with relative humidity and rainfall. A regression model further indicated a significant impact of these weather parameters on pest populations affecting shoots, leaves, and flowers. The findings demonstrate that temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall significantly influence the proliferation of pest populations throughout various months. Thus, forecasting pest populations based on weather parameters could prove beneficial for effective pest management.