Abstract

Field populations of S. furcifera (Horvath) at Coimbatore was generally very low and there was not much difference in the population level between the cultivars, Jaya and IR 36. Crops sown in the months of August to November harboured more hoppers. The population caught in the light traps was high during 1979-80 and very low during 1981-82. During the year there were three peaks of population. Only four weather parameters viz., maximum temperature, relative humidity (evening), sunshine hours and wind velocity contributed significantly to the population of S. furcifera attracted to the light trap and none contributed significantly to the field population.

Keywords: Sogatella furcifera, Ecology, Rice.