A Study on Light Trap Catches of Rice Leaf Folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee in Relation to Meteorological Parameters

The effect of meteorological factors on the population build up of rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in rice growing season (July to December) was studied through light trap (SM-84 model) collection at research farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur during kharif season 2013–14. Maximum populations of rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee were recorded on 45^th SMW of November with 17.00/weeks and then adult population gradually decreased as the crop departing towards maturity stage. The minimum adult catches of LF were observed on 31^st SMW of August with 1.00/week. Rice leaf folder showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r =-0.393*), average rainfall (mm) (r =-0.393*), morning relative humidity (r =-0.616**), evening relative humidity (r =-0.466*), average relative humidity (r =-0.517**) and non significant negative correlation with maximum temperature (r =-0.119), average temperature (r =-0.362) whereas non significant positive correlation with sun shine (hours) (r = + 0.374) at 1 and 5 per cent level of significance.