Effect of Abiotic Factors on the Population Dynamics of Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. of Brinjal in Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the population dynamics of the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in brinjal and its relationship with various abiotic parameters during the 2020 and 2021 crop seasons at Patan farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mandsaur, Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. The findings indicated that the red spider mite population initiated in the 30th and 31st standard weeks in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The peak population of mites per 2 cm2 leaf area was observed in the 43rd standard week (11.52) in 2020, while the highest population was noted in the 41st standard week (9.91) in 2021. It was evident that mite infestation was substantial during October in both years. There was a noteworthy positive correlation between the population of predatory mites, maximum temperature, and sunshine hours with the red spider mite pest, while a negative correlation was observed with relative humidity.