author(s)
Vijaykumar N Ghante, Shantappa Duttarganvi, Umesh MR and Vikas Kulkarni

abstract
Whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous insect pest infesting many host species throughout the entire geographical range. Study was carried to determine the population dynamics of whiteflies and establish the correlation with abiotic factors in Sunflower. Activity of whiteflies was observed throughout the year in sunflower ecosystem with population ranging from 0.40 to 60.56 / 6 leaves per plant across the study years (2011-2019) and mean population of leafhopper ranged from 4.62 to 15.89/6 leaves/plant and was at its peak during 3^rd MSW (January) and declined thereafter but remained active till harvest of the crop. The significant and negative correlation was observed between nymphal population and minimum temperature. There existed a non-significant and positive correlation between whitefly population and Rainfall, morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity. Whereas, the relation was negative and non-significant with maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours. The simple linear regression model showed that the BSS, evening relative humidity, minimum temperature and maximum temperature had maximum influence on the development of leafhopper population. Multiple regression indicated that weather factors collectively influenced the population of whiteflies to the extent of 92.0 per cent. This Information may be utilized in targeting suitable pest management techniques for respective zones.