Influence of weather parameters on the population dynamics of mango hopper.
Pandey V., Patel M. G., Chaudhari G. B., Patel J. R., Bhatt B. K., Vadodaria R. P., Shekh A. M.
Author Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand - 388 110, India.
Journal of Agrometeorology 5 : 51-59
Abstract : Field experiments were conducted in Anand, Gujarat, India during 1998-99 to 2000-01 to study the population dynamics of hoppers infesting mango cv. Langado in relation to weather parameters. Results revealed that although mango hopper's initiation and buildup were closely associated with the reproductive stages of mango, the weather parameters were expediting the population growth and/or inhibited their further growth. Low mean temperatures (Tmean 22 °C) were unfavourable. The highest hopper population was associated with higher mean temperature (>28 °C). Fortnightly rainfalls of more than 100 mm had washing out effect although the temperatures were optimum. Correlations worked out on seasonal basis were higher than that obtained on annual basis. Wind speed, minimum temperature and vapour pressure had maximum association with hopper population (r=0.76 to 0.78**). Linear models could explain only 36 to 61% variation in mango hopper population but the nonlinear model such as power or exponential explained up to 78% of the variation in population.