Seasonal Incidence and Population Fluctuation of Melon Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coq. on Bitter Gourd, Momardica charantia L.

摘要

Seasonal incidence and population fluctuation of melon fly, B. cucurbitae Coq. on bitter gourd, Momardica charantia L. at Bangalore taluk was studied during 2003-04. The peak incidence was observed during September 2003. The lowest incidence of population was recorded during November 2003. However, a gradual increase was observed from May to September. The incidence and population fluctuation were significantly correlated with maximum temperature, rainfall, evening relative humidity and average relative humidity, but not with minimum temperature, average temperature and morning relative humidity. Whereas a bright sunshine hour was found to be negatively correlated with melon fly population and incidence.