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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Population buildup of insect pests in relation to different dates of sowing in kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13058
Submitted
4 December 2025
Published
20-06-2026

Abstract

A field study was conducted during kharif 2024 at Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam, to evaluate the effects of sowing dates on insect pest dynamics in maize to improve pest management. Eight insect pests were recorded, with Spodoptera frugiperda as the dominant species. Peak populations of S. frugiperda (3.25 larvae per plant), Rhopalosiphum maidis (72.75 aphids per leaf) and Monolepta signata (1.50 beetles per plant) occurred during the 19th, 21st and 19th standard meteorological week (SMW), respectively. Maximum temperature showed a significant positive correlation with S. frugiperda (r = 0.659**) and aphids (r = 0.716**), while rainfall negatively influenced aphid populations (r = -0.542*). Predator populations were positively associated with temperature and aphid abundance. Abiotic factors explained 57.1–73.1 % of the variability in pest and predator populations. Early sowing (second fortnight of February) recorded the lowest pest incidence, whereas late sowing (second fortnight of April) showed the highest. Early sowing is therefore recommended to reduce pest infestation and improve maize productivity.

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