Seasonal Incidence of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittella) in Okra

Abstract

The present investigation carried out during the Kharif season 2023 at Deeksha Bhawan Entomology Field, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, (Uttar Pradesh).  During the investigation it has been revealed that the infestation of the shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella on shoots of okra commenced in the 4th week of August which gradually increased and peaked in the last week of September. The infestation of pests on fruits started in the last week of August which gradually increased and peaked in the 43rd standard metrological week. The correlation studies showed that the maximum temperature, minimum temperatures, relative humidity morning, and relative humidity evening had a non-significant positive correlation while rainfall showed a negative non-significant effect on shoot infestation. However, the infestation of E. vitella on fruits of okra showed a negative non-significant correlation with maximum temperature, relative humidity morning and rainfall while minimum temperature and relative humidity evening had a negative significant correlation.