Influence of sowing time and weather factors on seasonal dynamics of aphids in three wheat growing zones of India

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the relative population abundance of foliar aphid on wheat at three locations (Karnal, Niphad and Kharibari) sown on three different dates during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15.The highest seasonal average population of aphids of 44.5 and 61.5 aphids per tiller at Karnal and Niphad, respectively were recorded on the crop sown during Ist fortnight of November and the lowest seasonal average population of 4.3 and 2.7 aphids per tillerat Karnal and Niphad, respectively were recorded on crop sown during 2nd fortnight of December. The studies indicated that early planted crop during November month provided the congenial weather conditions for aphid proliferation during crop growth period.