Population dynamics of Chiku moth (Nephopteryx eugraphella Ragonot) and its correlation with weather parameters

The present investigation on the population dynamics of the Chiku moth was conducted on the Kalipatti variety at Jambuvadi Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India. Data on the percentage of damage to twigs, leaves, buds and flowers based on the nature of damage caused by the Chiku moth (Nephopteryx eugraphella Ragonot) was recorded at fortnightly intervals from the first fortnight of March 2023 to the second fortnight of February 2024. The population dynamics of Chiku moth revealed that the infestation was wide spread throughout year with 7.65 to 26.86 per cent leaves, bud and flower damage by Chiku moth. The highest per cent infestation on leaf (26.86 %) was found during first fortnight of June (22nd and 24th SMW), whereas, it recorded the lowest (7.65 %) during first fortnight of February (5th and 6th SMW). The correlation study between the infestation of Chiku moth and various abiotic factors of environment viz. maximum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity, mean relative humidity, morning vapour pressure, evening vapour pressure, mean vapour pressure and rainfall showed highly significant and positive effect on pest activity. Similarly, evaporation showed highly significant and negative effect on pest activity. While mean temperature showed non-significant relation and maximum temperature showed negative non-significant relation.