Seasonal incidence and population dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in apple nurseries of North Kashmir

AbstractThe study investigates the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera in apple nurseries. Monitoring was carried out using pheromone and light traps. The first incident of H. armigera was recorded during the 19th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), with peak activity observed in the 31st SMW, recording 6.9 moths/trap/week in pheromone traps and 7.0 moths/trap/week in light trap. Thereafter, the population declined progressively. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between moth catches and temperature, whereas relative humidity and rainfall exhibited a negative, though non-significant relationship. Regression analysis further emphasized temperature as the key factor influencing adult moth abundance.