Information and communication technology (ICT) based e-Pest surveillance for assessment of population dynamics of sucking pests on Orange in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Continuous and systematic pest surveillance can prevent epidemic situations of any pest by detecting damage before a higher pest population is firmly established. This study generated valuable data on the population dynamics of sucking pests of orange over the seasonal months from 2012 to 2022 with the aid of applied information and communication technology tools. The majority of the pests under current study showed their seasonal activity throughout the monitoring period. July to December months were the peak periods of infestation by majority of orange pests. The study on the seasonal incidence revealed Diaphorina citrii and Dialeurodes citri having their peak infestation in the month of September and October. November and December were the congenial months for extensive infestation by Brevipalpus phoenicis. The population dynamics of Aleurocanthus woglumi showed their peak incidence in the month of August and October whereas Scirtothrips citri were most abundant in August, September and March. The data so generated in this study would help in the forecast of the pests and helpful in devising an effective IPM strategy for their management.