Impact of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Leaf Rollers on Apple Nursery in Temperate North Kashmir

Author: Shahida Altaf, Ishtiyaq Ahad, Amit Kumar, Parveena Bano, Rehana Habib and M.A. Parry

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Abstract

Apple, Malus domestica known as queen of fruits is the major contributor of economy to Jammu and Kashmir. Various factors (viz., diseases, insect pests, disorders, weeds etc) are responsible for limiting the production: Among these insect pests are posing major threat to the apple industry. Leaf rollers are posing a threat to the newly developed high density orchard ecosystem being a low fighter these pests reaches easily the dwarf plantation compared to that of traditional orchard systems. This pest has been infesting apical shoots, hence curtailing the apical dominance and resulting in busy side shoots in nursery plants. To ascertain/frame the appropriate management strategy an attempt was made to monitor the insect population of this pest in two consecutive years. Two species of leaf roller (Choristoneura roseceana and Rhopobota navena) were observed during the investigations carried out in 2016 and 2017 years. Population dynamics studies revealed that leaf roller adults appeared from 14th standard week till 43rd standard week with its peak in 27th standard week during 2016. However, during the year 2017 the leaf roller adults also appeared from 14th standard week with its peak in the 28th standard week and continued up to 39th standard week. Their correlation studies made it clear that maximum temperature, minimum temperature had significant and positive impact on the population build-up, however, larvae of leaf roller during 2016 showed significant and negative correlation with relative humidity, while sunshine showed positive and significant correlation. Moreover, other weather parameters like sunshine, rainfall, relative humidity morning and evening both had non-significant correlation with leaf roller population. The data obtained from the experimental finding shall help in devising the best management integrated pest management strategy especially emphasis might be given to organic approaches.

Keywords

Leaf roller, apple nursery and abiotic parameters

Conclusion

It was evident from the investigations that there is close relation between the insect population buildup and weather parameters as complete activity of both leaf rollers was arrested with onset of cold and in November month and again appeared in the month of April. There were fluctuations in the pest populations observed throughout the growing season and give exact time and stage of the pest when to target. Apple nurseries registered a huge population of leaf folders during both years and it is worth to mention that this pest needs keen attention in the nursery and high density planting system.

References

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How to cite this article

Shahida Altaf, Ishtiyaq Ahad, Amit Kumar, Parveena Bano, Rehana Habib and M.A. Parry (2022). Impact of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Leaf Rollers on Apple Nursery in Temperate North Kashmir. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 307-315.