Thesis Abstract

Insect pests pose a major threat to crop production worldwide, causing significant yield losses every year. Effective pest management strategies require understanding the population dynamics of key insect pests and the factors influencing their growth and spread. This study aims to develop simulation models to predict the population fluctuations of important insect pests like pod borer, aphids and whiteflies in major crops like pigeonpea, chickpea and cotton under varying climatic and agronomic conditions. Field data on pest incidence and weather parameters will be collected over two crop seasons. Mathematical models relating pest population to temperature, rainfall and host plant phenology will be developed. The models can help farmers take timely control measures and reduce pesticide usage.

Thesis Overview