Yield Loss in Mulberry Due to Sucking Pest Whitefly, Dialeuropora decempuncta Quaintance and Baker (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

  • Bandyopadhyay, U.K. (Entomology Division, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute) ;
  • Kumar, M.V.Santha (Entomology Division, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute) ;
  • Das, K.K. (Entomology Division, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute) ;
  • Saratchandra, B. (Entomology Division, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute)
  • Published : 2001.03.01

Abstract

The whitefly, Dialeuropora decempuncta Quaintance and Baker (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae) causing considerable damage to mulberry, Morus alba. Crop loss caused by the whitefly was estimated in mulberry. Quantitative yield loss was estimated on the basis of harvest data from both sprayed and unsprayed plots. Data on pest incidence has been recorded at weekly intervals in both sprayed and unsprayed plots from 30 th day of plant age till harvesting i.e., 60 days after pruning in August October season. An attempt has been made to establish a relationship between whitefly population and percentage of crop loss due to it. Percentage of crop loss due to whitefly has got a linear relationship with the whitefly population. An initial population of 24 adults/top leaf would be able to cause 24% loss (l,630 Kg leaf/ha ) in a period of 30 days. Economic analysis postulates that application of pesticide can stove a net amount of 1,630 Kg leaf/ha which is sufficient to produce 67.65 Kg of additional multivoltine cocoons. This determines the cost/benefit ratio which will enable to workout the economics of management practices.

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