Influence of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera in Medium Duration Pigeonpea in Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The impact of weather parameters on pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera population dynamics in medium duration pigeonpea was investigated in 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 in Eastern Plateau and Hill region conditions of India. The population alteration pattern of H. armigera was observed to be more or less the same in both years. The highest incidence of H. armigera in pigeonpea in the region occurred during the 45th Standard Meteorological Week, both years (0.07 to 3.40 numbers per plant). The correlation analysis between H. armigera population and weather parameters showed a significant positive correlation between larval population of H. armigera and relative humidity (7:00 am) and mean relative humidity (p<0.05). The linear regression model based on weather parameters as an independent variable and H. armigera population as a dependent variable explained 35 per cent H. armigera population variability in pigeonpea. Environmental factors played a determining factor in H. armigera population dynamics.