Seasonal incidence of major insect pests infesting groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Résumé fourni par la source

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop, but its productivity is considerably affected by insect pests. This investigation studied the seasonal incidence of major insect pests infesting groundnut during the Kharif season of 2023 at the Rainfed Agriculture Research Farm, Narayan Bagh, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Groundnut variety GAUG-10 was sown during the first week of July, and observations on insect pest incidence were recorded at weekly intervals throughout the crop period on five tagged plants. The seasonal occurrence and population fluctuations of major insect pests were recorded along with associated coccinellid predators. Tobacco caterpillar appeared from the 32nd standard meteorological week (SMW) and reached a maximum population of 1.56 larvae per plant during the 37th SMW. Aphid incidence commenced during the 31st SMW and attained a peak population of 9.86 aphids per three leaves during the 38th SMW. Leafhopper population increased during the crop period and reached 5.32 hoppers per plant during the 37th SMW. Leaf miner incidence increased during the later crop stages and recorded a maximum population of 2.10 active larvae per plant during the 38th SMW. Thrips appeared during the 31st SMW and reached a maximum population of 3.64 adults per top bud during the 37th SMW. The coccinellid population was first observed during the 33rd SMW and increased to 2.50 adults per plant during the 38th SMW. The study revealed distinct seasonal fluctuations in the populations of major insect pests, with higher pest activity generally occurring during the middle to later stages of the crop. The findings provide useful information on the seasonal occurrence and peak activity periods of major insect pests and associated natural enemies, which may assist in timely monitoring and development of effective pest management strategies in groundnut.

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