Seasonal Incidence of Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) on Pea Crop and It’s Correlation with Different Abiotic Factors under Field Condition

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out in randomized block design (RBD) during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 at research farm, College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.). The crop’s pest situation is also greatly influenced by the weather factors. The objective of this investigation was to study the seasonal incidence of aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) on pea crop and it’s correlation with different abiotic factors in this region. During Rabi 2022-23, the aphid population ranged from 3.80 to 32.10 aphids/10 cm apical twig/plant. Whereas during Rabi 2023-24, the aphid population ranged from 2.90 to 28.70 aphids/10 cm apical twig/plant. The occurrence of aphids was first observed during the 52nd SMW (Standard Meteorological Week) for both years. The population of this pest began to increase and reached its peak during the 6th SMW. However, minimum population was recorded during the 10th SMW in both the years. During Rabi 2022-23, the incidence of aphids was significantly and positively correlated with the maximum and minimum temperature, whereas, a significant and negative correlation was found between evening relative humidity and the aphid population. While, morning relative humidity and rainfall showed a non-significant negative correlation with aphids. During Rabi 2023-24, the incidence of aphids was significantly and positively correlated with the maximum temperature, but the minimum temperature showed a positive non-significant correlation with aphids. Whereas, morning relative humidity was found significant and negatively correlated with population of aphids. However, evening relative humidity and rainfall showed a non-significant negative correlation with the aphid population.