Effect of sowing dates and abiotic variables on natural incidence of predators and parasitoids of aphid species infesting yellow mustard (Brassica campestris) Nisar Shabistana*, Rizvi Parvez Qamar Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-U.P, India, 202002 *E-mail: shabistanisar08@gmail.com
Online published on 30 November, 2019. Abstract Adjustments in sowing dates in correlation to abiotic factors, assessed for expansion of aphidophagy by predators (Coccinellids, Syrphids) and parasitoides, to achieve within-season mortality of aphids infesting mustard, revealed that the crop seeded during mid October 20th and late November 10th harboured higher number of predators (3.31coccinellids, 2.20 syrphid fly) and parasitoids (8.60 mummified aphids) per plant. The elevated population of natural enemy complex could be attributed to its positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean relative humidity. The augmented count of parasitoids was credited to the positive association of parasitoid population with maximum, minimum and mean temperature. The results of abiotic relationship with the population build up of natural enemies of aphid could be highly informative for achieving the expected produce of mustard crop sown even late in the season. Top Keywords Predators, parasitoid, abiotic factors, Lipaphis erysimi, Brevicoryne brassicae, Myzus persicae. Top |