Population Dynamics of Fruit Borer Heliothis armigera on Different Varieties of Tomato Crop

Abstract

During the field experiments, population dynamics (multiplication per day, infestation per fruit and infestation rate) of Heliothis armigera were observed on different tomato varieties such as Arka abha, Arka Saurabh, Pant bahar, Ratna, and Pusa Gaurav. The minimum infestation (3.01%) of H. armigera during the cropping season was observed in tomato variety Pant Bahar at 9^th standard weak in 81 days old crop. While maximum infestation (38.33%) of pest recorded on tomato variety Pusa Gaurav at 14^th standard weak in 116 days old crop. The minimum intensity (0.04 larva/fruit) was found in 9^th standard weak in 81 days old crop while it was maximum (0.54 larva/fruit) at 14^th standard weak in 116 days old crop of tomato. The minimum multiplication (0.06 per day) found at 12^th standard week and 102 days old crop. The maximum multiplication (0.96 multiplication per day) found at 10 February, 11 standard week and 95 days old crop. The infestation of the tomato fruit borer with its intensity increases continuously till the last picking of the fruit February to March found as conductive period.