Meteorological determinants of the incidence of insect pests and their damage on cashew (Annacardium occidentale) in coastal region of West Bengal.

摘要

The effects of weather parameters (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity, rainfall, number of rainy days, and mean sunshine hour per day) on the incidence of insect pests on cashew were studied in Contai and Digha, East Midnapur district, West Bengal, India, during 2002-04. Cool temperature conditions were favourable for the build-up of the population densities of tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis antonii), leaf thrips (Ripiphorothrips cruentatus), leaf folder (Caloptilia tiscelia), and leaf miner (Acrocercops syngramma). Moderate temperature favoured the growth and development of leaf and blossom webber (Lamida moncusalis) and shoot tip caterpillar (Hypotima haligramma) populations. Cooler temperature combined with moderate relative humidity encouraged the build-up of the population of flower thrips (Frankliniella schultzei). The weather parameters had no significant effects on the incidence of stem and root borer (Plocaederus ferrugineus)..