EVALUATION OF SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF MAJOR BRINJAL PESTS

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.; Solanacae) known also as “egg plant” or “Aubergine”, is one of the important vegetable crops of India. The insect pests like Shoot and Fruit borer, Epilachna beetle, Whitefly and Mealybug are considered major. Evaluation of the seasonal incidence of these pests helps in understanding the population fluctuation of these pests and therefore their effective management. A field survey was carried out at weekly interval in two different locations during January 2016 and 2017. The percent shoot damage caused by Brinjal shoot and fruit borer increased slowly till 10th standard week and then started to decline. Similarly, the fruit damage also increased till 12th standard week and then started to decline. The average number of Epilachna grubs per plant indicated their abundance starting from sixth standard week till 14th standard week. The damage decreased with decreasing number of grubs. The population of white flies started to increase during the mid season of the crop (8th standard week) and continued in an increasing trend till 16th standard week. The mealy bug incidence was totally absent till sixth standard week and started to increase thereafter. However, the peak incidence was reported only in the late season crop starting from 13th standard week. Correlation with weather parameters revealed their influence of population fluctuation.