Seasonal population dynamics of Aceria erineus (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Walnut trees in Kashmir

Population fluctuation of Aceria erineus in relation to abiotic factors on different walnut orchards of Kashmir was roving surveyed in 27 agricultural sites in nine districts of Kashmir during May 2018 to April 2019. In each district, three sites were selected randomly and the incidence of the mite was recorded at fortnightly intervals throughout the crop growth period. Field surveys indicated the presence of the pest in the entire surveyed region in varying intensity with maximum incidence recorded in Kupwara (21.77±1.39 mites per leaf), Baramulla (19.27±1.09 per leaf), Shopian (18.4±2.47 per leaf), Budgam (18.33±1.24 per leaf) and Pulwama (18.24±1.75 per leaf) respectively. Significant positive correlations of mite populations with minimum temperature were found in Shopian and all the districts of north Kashmir. Significant negative correlation was also found between mite population and rainfall except Anantnag district where it was non-significant. Maximum and minimum temperatures as well as sunshine hours had non-significant positive correlation, whereas relative humidity had non-significant negative correlation with the mite population.