Seasonal Incidence of Gram Pod Borer Helicoverpa armiger (Hubner) on Prominent Varity of Sown Different Dates on Chickpea

Seasonal intensity of gram pod borer was noticed on four varieties sown as two different dates. First appearance of gram pod borer was recorded in 49 th standard week on December 9, 2011. There was no initial infestation of this pest on late sown (Nov. 18, 2011) varieties during 49 th standard weeks, but it appeared in subsequent weeks with its mild intensity (0.12– 0.24 larvae / m row) on different varieties. Conclusively, it can be inferred that temperature had played negative role on the intensity of gram pod borer, while relative humidity exhibited its positive impact on this pest on all the tested varieties of chickpea sown at different dates. Average temperature between 12.60 – 14.80 0 C (max. 18.0 to 22.6 0 C and min. 7.2 to11.1 0 C) and relative humidity 69.0 to 90 % (max. 87-90 and minimum 51-82%) were found suitable for the multiplication of this pest during the cropping season. The evaporation pest population and 0.08-1.3 mm/day rate of evaporation found suitable for the pest multiplication. Wind velocity, sun shine and rainfall were the non significant weather parameter on gram pod borer in chickpea.