Effect of Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Mustard Crop in Relation to Abiotic Factors

Rapeseed-mustard is a key oilseed crop in India, contributing 11% to global production, ranking third after Canada and China. However, mustard crops face threats from over several insect pests, including aphids, sawflies, painted bugs, leaf webbers, and leaf miners. A field study conducted in Kanpur during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Rabi seasons examined the seasonal incidence of these pests and their correlation with weather parameters. Mustard aphid infestations peaked in February, with population fluctuations negatively correlated with temperature. Similarly, the painted bug infestation peaked in December-January, with significant negative correlations with maximum and minimum temperatures. The mustard sawfly and leaf miner also showed seasonal fluctuations influenced by temperature and humidity. Their populations varied seasonally, with correlations to temperature, humidity, and rainfall.