Effect of different meteorological parameters on seasonal abundance of rice brown planthopper under Punjab conditions

The growth and survival of insects are influenced by prevailing weather conditions. The brown planthopper (BPH) population data were collected from 2014 to 2016 and 2018. Highest BPH population at Ludhiana was observed during 2016 and lowest in 2018. Correlation coefficients were calculated between BPH population and different meteorological parameters. The BPH population was found to be negatively correlated with temperature (maximum and minimum) and rainfall while it was positively correlated with morning relative humidity. Stepwise regression models were developed which indicate that minimum temperature and relative humidity (morning and evening) were found to be important parameters influencing incidence of BPH. Correlation coefficients were calculated between BPH light trap population data and different meteorological parameters. A positive role of maximum temperature in influencing BPH light trap catches was found whereas minimum temperature had no effect. Crop weather-brown planthopper-calendar was prepared. This can be used in agro advisory to issue warnings for taking timely action to control BPH.