DP Singh, Ramkumar, Ritesh Singh Gangwar
Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) is a major insect pest of crucifers. The aphids lead to major yield losses in mustard ranging between 11.6-99% and reduction in oil content up to 15%. The study on population dynamics of important insect pests and their evaluation of integrated pest management strategies was conducted in the Rabi season of 2025-26 at Mahrajganj (UP). The maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity were recorded to study the correlation of weather parameters with the population of mustard aphid. The population was monitored throughout the crop growth period on weekly basis. The results are graphically presented (figure 1 to 4). The regression coefficient of the mustered aphid was studied and the results are presented. The max and minimum temperature were negatively correlated (r = -0.848, -0.830) and the humidity was positively correlated (r = 0.772, 0.811). The highest peak infestation was 169.8 aphids/10 cm twig. The different management practices showed significant variation in population density of mustard aphid on mustard crop (Table 1). The Treatment T₆ (Imidacloprid + NSKE) was found to be most effective in terms of aphid population and yield (33.13 aphids/10 cm twig, 1986.79 kg/ha, 1:1.25) followed by T₄ (Imidacloprid) and T₂ (NSKE) respectively (52.6 aphids/10 cm twig, 1850.10 kg/ha, 1:1.22 and 67.08 aphids/10 cm twig, 1735.67 kg/ha, 1:1.30). The high infestation of aphid was recorded in T₁ (Control) plots (238.33 aphids/10 cm twig) and the correspondingly lowest yield (758.67 kg/ha). Based on the findings of the present study, it is concluded that the T₆ (Imidacloprid + NSKE) was the most successful treatment in controlling the population of mustard aphid which helped in obtaining higher yield and net profit. Hence, this treatment may be recommended for the successful management of mustard aphids. The weather-based models may be used for decision making in management of mustard aphid.