Influence of Prevailing Weather Parameters on Population of Fruit Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Tomato in Western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two years (2021-22 and 2022-23) at Crop Research Center, College of Agriculture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, to ascertain the influence of various meteorological parameters on population fluctuations of Helicoverpa armigera on tomato. The peak period of occurrence of this insect was observed in 20th standard week (fourth week of May, 2022). The maximum population of this insect was recorded as 4.73 larvae/plant. Larval population of fruit borer had significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.593*) and minimum temperature (r=0.551*). Larval population of fruit borer had significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity (r=-0.598*) and evening relative humidity (r=-0.531*). Non-signification positive correlation was observed with the rainfall and larval population (r=0.052NS). The peak period of occurrence of this insect was observed in 23rd standard week (second week of June, 2023). The maximum population of this insect was recorded as 3.80 larvae/plant. Larval population of fruit borer had highly significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.693**) and minimum temperature (r=0.635**).