Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of drumstick along weather parameters with natural enemies

Abstract

A field study was conducted during kharif-rabi, 2024-2025 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule, Maharashtra, to assess the seasonal incidence and correlation of insect pests and natural enemies on drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lamk.). Weekly observations recorded the population dynamics of major pests and correlated them with prevailing weather parameters. The leaf-eating caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) showed two major peaks: 2.78 larvae/branch in the 44th SMW (October) and again 2.78 larvae/branch in the 50th SMW (December), significant positively correlated with maximum temperature (r = 0.684**) and significant negatively correlated with morning relative humidity (r = -0.779**). The hairy caterpillar (Eupterote mollifera) peaked at 8.23 larvae/branch in the 47th SMW and showed a weak significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity (r = -0.442*). Tree hopper (Leptocentrus spp.) populations peaked at 6.89 tree hoppers/branch in the 43rd SMW, with a significant positive correlation to minimum temperature (r = 0.401*). Whitefly (Aleurodicus disperses) reached a maximum of 14.21 whiteflies/3 compound leaves in the 48th SMW, showing significant negative correlations with morning (r = -0.419*) and evening relative humidity (r = -0.651**). Aphid (Aphis craccivora) peaked at 7.00 aphids/3 compound leaves in the 49th SMW but did not show significant correlation with any weather parameters. Ladybird beetle (Coccinella spp.), a major predator of aphids, peaked at 2.40 beetles/plant in the 1st SMW of January and showed significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity (r = -0.568*). These findings highlight the influence of temperature and humidity in shaping pest dynamics and advocate for climate-based pest forecasting in moringa ecosystems.