Population dynamics of banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle, Nodostoma subcostatum Jacoby in assam

Field experiments were conducted to study the population dynamics of banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle, Nodostoma subcostatum Jacoby on dwarf cavendish at the Horticultural Experimental Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2011–12. Experimental results indicated that the highest population (32.2 beetles/plant) and scars (28.4 scars/5cm²) were recorded during the second fortnight of August, 2011 which gradually decreased from September and again progressively increased in March, 2012. The fortnightly average population and scars produced by the beetles showed positive and significant correlation with various meteorological parameters except morning relative humidity. Multiple regression analysis of beetle population and scars produced by N. subcostatum with meteorological parameters showed 89.6 and 88.3% variations due to the combined effect of various parameters.