Population Dynamics of Lobster Moth, Neostauropus alternus Walker on Pigeonpea in Relation to Abiotic Factors of Pantnagar Region

Field experiments were carried out to study the population dynamics of Lobster moth (Neostauropus alternus Walker) on pigeonpea and its relation with different weather variables during kharif season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 under unprotected conditions at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The results revealed that the incidence of this insect commenced from the 34th standard week and it remained active up to 41st standard week of both the years. The insect showed one peak of its population during both the years. The maximum number of N. alternus was recorded on 37th standard week (5.6 larvae per plant) in 2013-14 while in 2014-15, population of N. alternus was highest in 38th standard week (4.8 larvae per plant). Correlation studies indicated that larval population of N. alternus exhibited a significant positive correlation with temperature whereas a significant negative correlation was established with relative humidity. Other abiotic factors had no significant effect on this insect pest population