author(s)
Yogesh Patel, Preeti Patel and Rajmohan Sharma

abstract
The Path analysis of abiotic factors affects the population dynamics of Spider, Oxyopes shweta Tikader, (Aracneae-Oxyopidae-Archnida) in Cotton studied at the Jawharlal Nehru Agriculture University, Cotton Research Station, Khandwa M.P. The data of field trials revealed that the test insect spider was first observed in the 27^th SMW i.e. first week of July and remained active till 52^nd SMW (4^th week of december). The peak population was observed (9.01 spider / 5 plant) during 37^th SMW i.e. 3^rd week of September. The correlation studies between spider population and weather factors revealed that the spider population had a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (0.610) & minimum temperature (0.614). The multiple regression computed with eight parameters i.e. maximum temperature (X1), minimum temperature (X2), morning relative humidity (X3), evening relative humidity (X4), sunshine hours (X5), wind velocity (X6), rainfall (X7), and rainy day (X8), as independent variables and spider population as dependent variables was as follows Y=-0.515 -0.704X1 +0.928X2 +0.187X3 +0.003X4 +0.258X5 -1.283X6+ 0.004X7- 0.472X8 (R²=0.771). The path coefficient of various abiotic factors with spider population exhibited significant positive correlations were minimum temperature (0.4514). Overall result of the experiment it can be concluded that with mild to high temperature (26 to 34 ºC) and high humidity (>60%) were congenial for the development of the pest.