Population Dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) in Chickpea and Their Relationship with Abiotic Factors in Kanpur Region of Uttar Pradesh, India
Sneh Yadav *
Department of Entomology, C.S.A.U.A. & T., Kanpur (U.P.), India.
R. S. Singh
Department of Entomology, Brahmanand P. G. College, Rath, Hamirpur (U.P.), India.
Mukesh Srivastava
Department of Plant Pathology, C.S.A.U.A. & T., Kanpur (U.P.), India.
C. L. Maurya
Department of Seed Science and Technology, C.S.A.U.A. & T., Kanpur (U.P.), India.
Sanjeev Kumar
Department of Agronomy, C.S.A.U.A. & T., Kanpur (U.P.), India.
H. C. Singh
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, C.S.A.U.A. & T., Kanpur (U.P.), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the population dynamics of major insect pests, specifically Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), in chickpea crop and examines their relationship with key abiotic factors in the Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Weekly field observations during the Rabi (winter) seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 revealed that the peak activity of H. armigera was observed in 11th and 10th SMW that had positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and negative correlation with maximum and minimum relative humidity during both the years. Agrotis ipsilon activity peaked during vegetative stage at 52nd and 1st SMW and had negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and positive correlation with maximum and minimum relative humidity during both years. The findings further emphasize the impact of climatic variables on pest incidence and underscore the value of targeted surveillance to mitigate crop losses and promote sustainable chickpea cultivation.
Keywords: Population dynamics, Helicoverpa armigera, Agrotis ipsilon, correlation, surveillance, abiotic factors