Influence of Biotic and Abiotic Factor on Incidence of Glyphodes pyloalis and its Natural Enemy’s Population in Jorhat District, Assam, India

The present study investigates the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the population dynamics of Glyphodes pyloalis, a defoliating pest of mulberry plant in Jorhat district, Assam, India. The study, conducted from August 2021 to July 2022, examined the pest's interaction with weather parameters and natural enemies. The findings indicated that G. pyloalis populations peaked in spring and early summer, with the highest density (3.20 individuals per shoot) observed on May 15, 2022, under moderate temperatures and high humidity. In contrast, the lowest populations were observed in winter. The study identified Apanteles obliquae, Chelonus carbonator, Ichneumonid wasp and Cheilomenes sexmaculata as important natural enemies and showed significant positive correlations with G. pyloalis larvae. Regression analysis showed that evening temperature and relative humidity significantly influenced pest populations, while biotic factors, particularly parasitoids and predators, showed strong associations. These results highlight the importance of integrating biotic and abiotic factors in developing effective pest control strategies for mulberry ecosystems.