Effect of meteorological parameters on the dynamics of wilt and pod borer severity in pigeonpea of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh

The weather parameters play a predominant role in determining the course and severity of insect pests and pathogens in different crops. Wilt and pod borer are the most devastating biotic stresses, causes huge losses from the vegetative stage until harvest. The present study was aimed to analyze the seasonal dynamics of wilt and pod borer incidence in relation to critical weather parameters in pigeonpea from the Bundelkhand region, a pulses basket of Uttar Pradesh. The fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) incidence were found to be major biotic stresses in pigeonpea from 2017-18 to 2020-21. The wilt disease commenced at 48 MSW and the mean incidence ranged from 0.0 to 25.5 percent. The pod borer incidence started at 01 MSW, and the larval population ranged from 0.5 to 1.40 larvae/plant. Though the correlation between pest incidence and weather parameters was found to be non-significant. The wilt and pod borer incidence were positively correlated with Tmax (r= 0.35 and 0.33), Tmin (r= 0.39 and 0.37), rainfall (r= 0.43 and 0.41) and negatively correlated with relative humidity (r= -0.32 and -0.26). The regression analysis indicated variability in wilt and pod borer incidence due to temperature, humidity and rainfall. The information generated on the pest dynamics of wilt and pod borer in pigeonpea under the influence of weather parameters may be helpful in devising the forecasting models as well as the management practices well in advance so as to avoid yield losses.