Population dynamics of leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on tomato

Experiment was undertaken during the year 2016-17 at Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh to determine the population dynamics of leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on tomato. The results showed that leaf miner(Liriomyza trifolii) oriented mined leaves per plant damage peaked (7.20% /plant) during 4th SMW (Standard Meteorological Week) while, it was lowest (0.42%) during 13th SMW. Leaf miner oriented mines per five leaves per plant damage peaked (0.78% /five leaves/plant) during 4th SMW while, it was lowest (0.14%) during 52th SMW. Whitefly(Bemisia tabaci) population remained highest (7.67/three leaves) during 4th SMW while, it remained lowest (0.47) during 13th SMW. Relationship between leaf miner oriented mined leaves per plant and weather factors indicated significant negative correlation with temperature (maximum and minimum) (‘r’= -0.590* and -0.522*) and relative humidity (morning and evening) (‘r’= 0.264 and 0.511) indicated positive correlation (non-significant) with the pest abundance. Relationship between leaf miner oriented mines per five leaves per plant and temperature (maximum and minimum) (‘r’= -0.370 and -0.330) indicated non-significant negative correlation. However, relative humidity (morning and evening) (‘r’= 0.017 and 0.315) indicated positive correlation (non-significant) with the pest abundance. Abundance of whitefly population with relative humidity (morning and evening) (‘r’= 0.168 and 0.437) indicated non-significant positive correlation. While, temperature (maximum and minimum) (‘r’= -0.561* and -0.515*) indicated negative but significant correlation with the pest abundance.