Journal of Environmental Biology

Incidence and demographic parameters of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) on rapeseed-mustard in Terai agro-ecological region of West Bengal

S.K. Sarkar¹, S. Saha¹, R. Nath¹, N. Chaudhuri², J. Ghosh¹, A. Ghosh² and S.K. Senapati¹*     

¹Department of Entomology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736 165, India

²Regional Research Station (Terai zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari-736 165, India

Received: 16 May 2024                   Revised: 21 June 2024                   Accepted: 04 October 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : sksubkv@gmail.com                        *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0137-1641

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of Lipaphis erysimi incidence on different rapeseed-mustard varieties. Biology and life table study of L. erysimi on variety Binoy.

Methodology: Experiments were conducted at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya farm during Rabi season 2019-20 and 2020-21. Aphid and coccinellid populations were monitored on seven rapeseed-mustard cultivars at weekly intervals. The incidence was correlated to meteorological conditions. Demographic factors of L. erysimi were investigated during the 1^st fortnight of February for two generations on the Binoy variety in a greenhouse setting.

Results: Agrani and Binoy produced the best yield despite the highest aphid infestation. Aphid population rapidly increased from 4^th standard meteorological week (SMW) (flowering stage) and peaking during the 7^th SMW (siliqual development stage). Different weather conditions have a substantial effect on aphid and coccinellid populations. L. erysimi's nymphal period was longer during the 2^nd generation, which finished at the 7^th SMW, whereas adult longevity and life cycle were longer during the 1^st generation, which ended at the 6^th SMW. Study on the demographic parameters showed a diminishing population rate following the 7^th SMW.

Interpretation: Agrani and Binoy can tolerate aphid infestation. Protective measures need to be initiated before crop flowering.

Key words: Biology, Coccinellid, Life table, Mustard aphid, Weather parameters

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