SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF SUCKING INSECT PESTS IN BT COTTON AGRO-ECOSYSTEM OF YADAGIRI DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA.

Abstract

 In the present study the field investigations were undertaken at Bt cotton fields in selected study area of Yadagiri to study the seasonal abundance of sucking pests. Ajit-BG II is most commonly practiced   Bt cotton hybrid in the selected area and sowing process will be carried out from June. Sucking arthropod pests recorded during study includes Aphids (Aphis gossypii), Leafhopper (Amarasca biguttula biguttula), Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), Thrips (Thrips tabaci) and Melaybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis). Among these sucking arthropod pests, the incidence of leafhopper and whitefly prevailed more active throughout the cropping season and cause damage crop at different stages of growth.  Peak abundance of whitefly and aphids was observed at end of October 2021 up to early November 2021. Leafhoppers are invaded from July and peak abundance was noticed in the month of early October 2021 whereas, thrips were most abundant in the month of October 2021. Melay bugs were noticed at the end of September and infestation of this pest continues up to completion of cotton harvesting.