Population dynamics of Bagrada hilaris (Brumeister) on Indian mustard under semi arid conditions of Haryana, India

Abstract

Population dynamics study of Bagrada hilaris on RH 30 showed that the pest reached its peak population
twice in the cropping season, once at the seedling stage, and another at the maturity stage on both early, and
late sown crop. The maximum population on early sown crop was observed with its first, and second peak
observed on 48th SW, and 12th SW, respectively. While in the late sown crop the peaks in the pest population
were noticed on 50th SW, and 17th SW of 2013-14, and 2014-15. The pest population had significant positive
correlation with maximum temperature, and sun shine hours on both early, and late sown crops. However, the
correlation with minimum temperature was non-significantly positive in early sown crop compared to significant
positive correlation in late sown crop. Morning, and evening relative humidity showed highly negative significant
correlation with the pest population. Wind speed had a significant negative effect on painted bug population in
crop sown early in the season while the effect was positive, and non-significant in late sown crop. All
weather parameters contributed to B. hilaris population fluctuation to the extent of 66 to 69, and 46 to 86 per
cent during 2013-14, and 2014-15 respectively.