Agrotechnology

Abundance of mango leaf gall midge in relation to major abiotic factors and crop stages

International Conference on Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

September 14-15, 2012 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Sushil Kumar and A.T. Patel

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Seasonal incidence of mango leaf gall midge, Procontarinia matteiana Kieffer & Cecconi was studied in mango cv Alphonso at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India. Highest leaf damage (62.51 %) and gall intensity (116.56 galls/ sq.cm.) was observed during 5-6 (29 January-11 February) and 1-2 (1-14 January) standard weeks, respectively. Correlation of leaf damage with sun shine was significant and positive (r = 0.4324), whereas, it was negative with temperature (minimum and average) (r = -0.7803 and -0.7282), relative humidity (morning, evening and average) (r = -0.5870, -0.6366 and -0.6480), wind velocity (r = -0.3994), rainfall (r = -0.4904) and rainy days (r = -0.5837). Similarly, gall intensity indicated significant and nega - tive correlation with temperature (minimum and average) (r = -0.8532 and -0.8294), relative humidity (morning, evening and average) (r = -0.5072, -0.6079 and -0.6033), wind velocity (r = -0.4742), rainfall (r = -0.4105) and rainy days (r = -0.5007). The multiple correlation coefficient (R) was significant (0.8684 and 0.9114) with respect to both the characters. Total impact of independent variables on abundance of leaf damage and gall intensity was 61.57 and 75.09 per cent, respectively. Flowering stage of mango had the highest leaf damage (62.51 per cent), whereas intensity of gall formation (100.98 galls) was highest during new flush stage of the crop growth.

Biography :

Sushil Kumar completed his Ph.D degrees in Forest Entomology and Agricultural Entomology at the age of 45 and 48 years from Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, and Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, respectively. He is the Principal Investigator of ICAR funded IPM as well as Insect Biodiversity Projects. He has published more than 50 research papers in various International journal and National journals and serving as an editorial board member of International journal(Fruits) and National Journal (Journal of Applied Zoological Researches). He has more than 29 years of research experience in Horticultural Entomology and has won two national awards.