Population Dynamics, Incidence and Damage of Myzus persicae on Capsicum annuum under Polyhouse Conditions in Kashmir Valley

An experiment was conducted to assess the population dynamics, incidence, leaf damage and severity of green peach aphid (M. persicae) infesting on capsicum (Capsicum annum) under polyhouse condition in Kashmir valley. The present studies revealed that M. persicae was associated with the capsicum crop throughout the growing season with significant crop damage by the pest. Infestations including pest incidence, damage and severity of aphid forms commenced from early crop stage and thereafter, the population of aphid nymphs, apterous and alate forms gradually increased and peak in the 1st fortnight of August (32nd Standard Meteorological Week) and decline at the time of maturely of crop. Further correlation studies revealed that population of M. persicae exhibited statistically significant positive correlation with temperature and a non-significant negative correlation with Relative humidity.