Bioecology and Seasonal Abundance of Sucking Pests Infesting Coccinia
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Author:V. Vijayasree, T. Nalinakumari and S. Naseemabeevi
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:99, Issue:oct-dec
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100205
Abstract
A survey was carried out at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani and
nearby locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during 2006-2007 to assess the seasonal
abundance of sucking pests infesting coccinia. The dominant sucking pests were scale
insect, Saissetia hemispherica (Targ.) and aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch. The minor sucking
pests recorded were leaf footed bug, Leptoglossus australis F. and pentatomid bug,
Aspongopus obscurus F. Very low infestation of green stink bug, Nezara viridula Linn. and
mealy bug, Ferrisia virgata (Ckll.) was also observed. Due to desapping activity of these
pests, the vigour of the plant was reduced. Seasonal occurrence of the pests showed higher
population and more damage in summer than rainy season. Correlation studies revealed
strong positive correlation between maximum temperature and population of the pests and
extent of damage whereas rainfall had significant negative relationship with them.
Key words : Coccinia, Seasonal incidence, Saissetia hemispherica, Aphis spiraecola, Aspongopus obscurus