Specificity, distribution and abundance of predatory mites (Arachnida: Arthropoda) on walnut in Kashmir himalaya

摘要

Jammu and Kashmir is known as 'fruit bowl' of India with subtropical climate in Jammu and temperate in Kashmir. Walnut, a chief economical crop, especially in hilly and backward areas of Jammu and Kashmir, is gaining tremendous attention now-a-days toimprove its quality and boost up its production owing to its high export potential. There is an array of mite pests, which attack this crop in the state. Extensive surveys were carried out in Kashmir valley in different walnut growing belts to record specificity, distribution and abundance of predatory mites on the crop since such studies are the basic requirement for framing the management programme of pests and pave the way for further extensive studies.