author(s)
Patel R, Marabi RS, Nayak MK, Tomar DS and Singh U

abstract
An experimental field was conducted to study the population dynamics of defoliator insect pests and their correlations with abiotic factors on green gram. Observations on larval population of defoliator insect pests (Lepidopteran pests) on green gram were recorded at weekly intervals in per meter row length (mrl) from randomly selected 10 different sites. The obtained results revealed that the first appearance of Bihar hairy caterpillar on green gram was observed during 33^rd SMW and its population attained its first and second peak during 36^th and 38^th SMW, respectively. Whereas, tobacco caterpillar was first appeared during 33^rd SMW and reached its peak at 37^th SMW. The larval population of green semilooper was first observed during 33^rd SMW which reached its peak during 36^th SMW. The incidence of pod borer on green gram was first recorded during 34^th SMW and reached its peak during 38^th SMW. Correlation studies revealed that sunshine had positive correlation with larval population of Bihar hairy caterpillar, but statistically found to be non-significant. Further, minimum temperature showed significantly negative association with the influence of larval population of Bihar hairy caterpillar. Minimum temperature showed significantly negative correlation with the influence of tobacco caterpillar. The morning and evening RH, sunshine, wind speed and rainfall had positive correlation with larval population of green semilooper, but statistically found non-significant. Correlation studies with pod borer revealed that sunshine had exhibited positive correlation while, maximum and minimum temperature, morning and evening RH, wind speed, evaporation and rainfall were expressed negative correlation, but statistically it was non-significant.