Determining the Effect of Aphid Infestation on Growth and Development of Mustard with Different Weather Regimes

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of weather parameters on the population dynamics of the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, in Brassica crops. A field experiment was conducted using Randomized Block Design with four treatments: black mulch, transparent mulch, straw mulch, and control plot. Aphid population observations were recorded at 5-day intervals from January 10, 2015, to March 6, 2015. The results revealed that aphid population peaked during the third week of February to the first week of March, with a maximum average population of 238.25 aphids per plant. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between aphid population and temperature (maximum and minimum), sunshine hours, with correlation coefficients of 0.57, 0.57, and 0.310, respectively. Conversely, negative correlations were observed with relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. The study also found that mulch treatments significantly affected aphid population, with straw mulch recording the highest average population (107.42 aphids per plant). The findings suggest that conducive weather conditions, particularly temperature and sunshine hours, are crucial role in aphid population dynamics. The results of this study can inform strategies for managing aphid populations in Brassica crops, such as optimizing sowing dates and using mulch treatments. Furthermore, the study's findings on the relationship between weather parameters and aphid population dynamics can contribute to the development of predictive models for aphid population management. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between weather parameters, mulch treatments, and aphid population dynamics in Brassica crops.