Incidence of red pumpkin beetle on cucurbits as influenced by plant growth stages

Abstract

Abstract : The highest incidence of red pumpkin beetle was recorded on muskmelon, which was followed by sweet gourd and cucumber at seedling, vegetative and reproductive stages of cucurbit plants. The population of red pumpkin beetle was the lowest at 2- leaf stage. Its population increased gradually with the increase of seedling age up to 8-leaf stage and decreased thereafter giving the highest peak at 8-leaf stage. The flowers were more preferable to red pumpkin beetle as compared to leaves of cucurbit at reproductive stage.