P.JEEVANA JYOTHI*, L. VIJAYA BHASKAR, J. MANJUNATH, K. VENKATARAMANAMMA AND M. RAJASRI

Department of Entomology, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati-517 502.

ABSTRACT

A sunflower hybrid (KBSH-44) was sown on second fortnight of October at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra pradesh during rabi, 2024-25. The seasonal incidence of sucking pests viz., leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), thrips (Thrips palmi) and natural enemies were observed in sunflower hybrid KBSH- 44 during rabi, 2024-25. The incidence of sucking pests viz., leafhopper, whitefly and thrips was first appeared 15 days after germination. Peak incidence of sucking pests was recorded in 51st and 2nd standard week. The correlation studies on leafhopper, whitefly and thrips showed negative correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, sunshine hours and wind velocity, but positive correlation with rainfall, morning and evening relative humidity. Natural enemies like spiders and ladybird beetles positively correlated with wind velocity, morning and evening humidity, while negatively correlated with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours.

KEYWORDS: Sunflower, Sucking pests, Natural enemies, Weather parameters.