SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF INSECT PESTS AND PREDATORY FAUNA IN BLACK GRAM.

The succession and seasonal incidence of insect pests and predatory fauna in black gram were studied in a field experiment at the Agronomy farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during kharif 2019 and 2020. The results revealed nine species of insects (7 pests and 2 predators) from seedling to pod maturity stage. Besides, the peak incidence of whitefly, jassid, flower thrips, tobacco caterpillar, Bihar hairy caterpillar, and spiders were observed during 37th standard meteorological week (SMW); with spotted pod borer and coccinellids, maximum incidence was observed during 38th SMW, and the green stink bug during 35th SMW. Correlation coefficients revealed that tobacco caterpillar had a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, morning RH and evening vapour pressure; and the incidence of spotted pod borer showed a significant negative correlation with bright sunshine hours and rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]