Seasonal Incidence and Abundance of Insect Fauna in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) of the Southern Telangana Zone (STZ) of Telangana, India

Abstract

A study was conducted at IIOR-Rajendranagar and IIOR-Narkhoda farms in Hyderabad during the Rabi season of 2023–2024 to assess the diversity, abundance, and correlation of insect pests and natural enemies with weather parameters. Insect populations were monitored weekly using pitfall traps, sweep nets, sticky traps, and visual counts. A total of 5,929 and 6,751 insect specimens at IIOR Rajendranagar farm and IIOR Narkhoda farm, belonging to 50 families across 12 orders, were recorded. Among these, Diptera (12 families) and Hymenoptera (11 families) were the most dominant orders, followed by Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera. The seasonal incidence of major pests, particularly aphids, was analyzed in relation to meteorological factors such as temperature, relative humidity, evaporation, sunshine duration, wind speed, and rainfall. Aphid infestations were observed from the 48th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) to the 9th SMW, with peak populations recorded in the 5th SMW. The population of lady bird beetle and chrysopa was recorded 21 days after germination recorded during 48th SMW it gradually increases upto 5th SMW at both the locations and continued upto 9th SMW. The population of natural enemies (coccinellids and chrysopa) increased with increase in the pest population. This study provides valuable insights into insect biodiversity and pest-weather interactions, which aids in the development of effective pest management strategies.