Impact of weather conditions on seasonal occurrence of chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood)

AbstractThe results showed that the initial appearance of chilli thrips occurred in the 32nd SMW, with a population density of 0.60 thrips (six leaves plant-1). The chilli thrips population peaked during the 41st SMW, reaching 6.86 thrips (six leaves plant-1) and declined by the 48th SMW to 1.26 thrips (six leaves plant-1). Correlation analysis revealed a non-significant negative relationship between thrips populations and both maximum and minimum temperatures (r = -0.09, r = -0.33), while morning relative humidity showed a positive but non-significant correlation (r = 0.18). In contrast, evening relative humidity and rainfall exhibited a significant negative correlation with thrips populations. Correlation analysis indicated a non-significant negative relationship between thrips populations and both maximum and minimum temperatures (r = -0.09, r = -0.33), while morning relative humidity exhibited a positive but non-significant correlation (r = 0.18). In contrast, evening relative humidity and rainfall showed a significant negative correlation with thrips populations. Regression analysis revealed that weather variables collectively explained 57.4% of the variation in chilli thrips populations.