Incidence pattern of guava shoot borer, Microcolona technographa Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Agonoxidae) in relation to weather conditions in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Incidence pattern of shoot borer (Microcolona technographa Meyrick) on guava and the effect of weather parameters on its occurrence were studied during 2014 and 2015 at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Mondouri, West Bengal, India. The infestation of the shoot borer, Microcolona technographa Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Agonoxidae) started by end of January to mid February coinciding with the increase of temperature and emergence of new flush and with its peak activity was recorded from middle of July to 2nd week of August. Correlation studies revealed that both maximum and minimum temperature, RH minimum, vapour pressure and rainfall showed significant positive effect, while sunshine hours had negative impact. The density of the larval population in the shoots of guava significantly varied in different direction and followed the trend like East > South > North > West.