Population dynamics of red pumpkin beetle on cucumber in mid-hill Himalayas

Abstract: The population dynamics of Aulacophora foveicollis Lucas in relation to abiotic factors was studied on cucumber (Cucumis sativus), var. 'Khira-90' during 2009 and 2010. Incidence of red pumpkin beetle in field indicated that its initial activity and peak period varied with the locations and prevailing weather conditions. At Palampur, the insect was found active from second fortnight of April with three peaks during 2^nd and 4^th weeks of May and 3^rd week of July, 2009 whereas, one major peak during 2^nd week of May was recorded in 2010. At farmer's field, Bara (Hamirpur) the insect first appearance was noticed during first fortnight of March and reached to its peak during 3^rd and 2^nd weeks of April, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The highest plant infestation (100 %) was observed when the crop was at its early growing stage. The correlation studies revealed that average minimum temperature showed significant negative correlation at farmer's field whereas other weather parameters had no significant effect on the beetle population at Palampur as well as Bara.