Assessment of hemipteran abundance and nature of damage on blackgram (Vigna mungo) in agricultural fields

This study investigates the abundance and nature of damage of hemipterans on blackgram (Vigna mungo) crops in agricultural fields during 2016-2017. Hemipteran populations were assessed across different growth stages of the crop using standardized sampling methods. Results revealed the presence of diverse hemipteran species, with fluctuations in their abundance throughout the crop's development. Nature of damage of the crop was assessed, highlighting potential implications for blackgram cultivation. Insects of 5 families were observed at the time of the study. Mylloceros undecimpustulatus (Family Curculionidae), Nezara viridula (Family Pentatomidae), Riptortus linearis (Family Coreidae), Cletus bipunctatus (Family Coreidae), Aphis craccivora (Family Aphididae) and Empoasca kerri (Family Cicadellidae) represented this order. These insects harmed the plant's three most vital parts such as leaves, pods and flowers. In terms of its presence in the crop field for a longer period of time and the type of harm it caused, Riptortus linearis was considered as the key pest in the study. The relation of occurrence of insects with climatic factors was investigated by Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation technique; however, the results were generally negligible. The findings underscore the need for sustainable management strategies to mitigate hemipteran-related yield losses in blackgram cultivation.