Population Dynamics of Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hüb) on Birsa Chana-3 Variety in Ranchi

Abstract

The constantly rising demand for legume crop, it is imperative to maximise productivity and cultivate more land while reducing the amount of stress on the crop plant. An effort has been made to look at the frequency of pod borer infestations in chickpeas in relation to various meteorological conditions. The current study was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University's Pulses Research Plots in Kanke, Ranchi. The trial was scheduled for Rabi 2022–2023 and Rabi 2023–2024. The larval population peaked in the 8th standard week (4th week of February) (2.74 larva/plant), having been first observed in the 49th standard week (1st week of December) in 2022–2023 and in 2023–2024 (1.78 larva/plant). Relative humidity (7 AM) exhibited a negative and non-significant correlation (-0.118), (-0.301) in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, while the mean larval population of Helicoverpa armigera on chickpea variety Birsa Chana-3 showed a positive correlation with maximum temperature (0.459), minimum temperature (0.414), (0.026), and relative humidity (2 PM) (0.256), (0.492) in two consecutive years (20222-23) and (2023-24). Rainfall and larval population were shown to be positively and non-significantly correlated (0.121, 0.232). both in Rabi 2022–2023 and Rabi 2023–2024.