Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part I (2025)

Studies on the population dynamics of aphids and their coccinellid predators were conducted across seven different crops during the Rabi season of 2024-2025. The investigation revealed significant variation in aphid infestation patterns and coccinellid response among different crop systems. Mustard emerged as the most severely aphid infested crop, recording peak aphid populations of 710.0 aphids per plant, while horse gram showed complete resistance with zero aphid counts throughout the growing season. Cowpea demonstrated rapid early-season establishment of aphid with peak populations of 106.3 aphids per plant, followed by substantial coccinellid population of 7.0 predators per plant. Green gram and lablab bean displayed sporadic aphid peaks and moderate coccinellid activities, while black gram and Dolichos bean experienced moderate aphid and coccinellid populations, with predator peaks closely following aphid outbreaks the study provides valuable insights into crop-specific pest-predator dynamics for developing targeted biological control strategies.