Incidence of potato pests in relation with weather parameters during kharif 2024

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major food crop in India, vulnerable to several insect pests that cause substantial yield losses. Field study was conducted at MARS, Dharwad during kharif 2024 using the variety Kufri Jyothi toassess the seasonal incidence of key insect pests and their relationship with weather parameters. Observations on aphids,leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, mites, Spodoptera litura, shoot borer and natural enemies (coccinellids, spiders, chrysopids)were recorded at weekly intervals from crop emergence to harvest. Results revealed that maximum populations of majorsucking pests (aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies and mites) occurred in 33rd standard meteorological week (mid-August),coinciding with high temperature and low rainfall. These pests exhibited strong positive correlations with maximum andminimum temperatures and negative correlations with relative humidity and rainfall. Among them, leafhoppers, thrips, whitefliesand mites showed significant positive correlations with maximum temperature. Spodoptera litura population increased underhigher temperatures but declined with increased humidity and rainfall. Maximum shoot borer infestation was observed duringthe 36th-37th SMWs (early September) and showed significant negative correlations with maximum relative humidity andrainfall. Natural enemies, particularly coccinellids, increased with rising pest populations and were strongly influenced byminimum temperature. Findings highlight the strong influence of weather parameters on pest population dynamics andemphasize the importance of seasonal monitoring for scheduling effective pest management strategies in potato.