Population Dynamics of, Leaf Eating Caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius on Castor, Ricinus communis L.

To know the population fluctuation of leaf eating caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius attacking castor was carried out during kharif season in 2012–13 at Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The activity of S. litura begans from 39^th standard meteorological week (4^th week of September) and continued till 2^nd meteorological standard week (2^nd week of January). The peak activity of S. litura noticed during 45^th standard meteorological week (1^st week of November). The higher incidence of the pest was observed during 42^th to 49^th standard meteorological week (3^rd week of October to 1^st week of December). The activity of S. litura was also reflected on leaf damage. The leaf damage was recorded from 39^th standard meteorological week (4^th week of September) to 2^nd standard meteorological week (2^nd week of January). The higher damage (20–26.5) was noticed during 42^nd standard meteorological week to 50^th standard week (3^rd week of October to 2^nd week of December).