Population Dynamics of Blister Beetles on Pulses in South West Rajasthan Jat Hansa, Nagar Rajendra, Swaminathan R., Ameta O.P. Department of Entomology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, 313001 Email: udaiswami57@gmail.com (corresponding author)
Online published on 31 August, 2017. Abstract Population dynamics of blister beetles infesting pulse crops during the kharif season (July to September) in south west part of Rajasthan was studied for two crop seasons at the Department of Entomology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. The field surveys resulted in identification of two species viz., Mylabris pustulata Thunberg and M. phalerata (Pallas). Infestation of the floral parts was observed to be maximum in the 33rd standard meteorological week (SMW) on Vigna radiata, while in the 36th SMW on Cajanus cajan. The maximum incidence was recorded on Vigna mungo and V. radiata in the 37th SMW, on Vigna unguiculata in the 38th SMW, and on Cajanus cajan in the 41st SMW. Wind velocity and sunshine had a significant and positive relationship, with the relative density showing wide variation (10.32 to 69.93%). The numerical abundance was relatively more on greengram, blackgram and cowpea compared to the pigeonpea, and there existed a preference for pigeonpea as indicated by the negative relative plant effect (−0.30 to-0.95). Top Keywords Blister beetle, population dynamics, weather factors, relative density, plant effect index, Mylabris pustulata, M. phalerata, green gram, black gram, cowpea, pigeon pea. Top |