Insects Associated with Moringa and their Correlation with Abiotic Parameters

The association of different insect pests and natural enemies was observed on moringa and their correlation with abiotic parameters also recorded at College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during 2023-24. Among the sixteen insect species leaf eating caterpillar, Noorda blitealis Walker was found prominent pest and cause great damage of moringa. The infestation of leaf eating caterpillar started from the first week of July with 3.60 larvae per branch and reached to peak at first week of August with 9.10 larvae per branch. July and August month was more compatible for damage of leaf eating caterpillar. Maximum population of whitefly, leaf-footed bug and ash weevil was observed at last week of October with 59.13 whitefly per 3 branches, first week of November with 3.87 bug per 3 branches and at first week of September with 0.12 weevil per 5 branches, respectively. Among the natural enemies, lady bird beetles were observed as a major predator against aphid and preying mantid preys upon leaf eating caterpillar.