COLLISION OF PHYSICAL PLANT CHARACTERS IN THE DYNAMICS OF Aulacophora foveicollis Lucas

Economic loss causing pests of cucurbits also includes red pumpkin beetle. Damage of the beetle ranges between 35-75% at seedling stage while canopy infestation could be 15-75% depending on the canopy density. Wide host range of the beetle enlists Indian snap melon as host. Difference physical plant characters including leaf area, moisture contents, leaf sheath thickness and hair density were examined among ten different landraces (MLT, BHW, SHW, SRD, FSD, TTS, SHK, VH, HP, RYK) of Indian snap melon, named after the district of collection. Maximum mean population (8.06) and percent leaf infestation (15.46) per plant were recorded in Sheikhupura (SHK) landrace. Whereas, minimum mean population (5.56) and infestation (10.63) was recorded in landrace Bahawalpur (BHW) landrace. Leaf area, leaf moisture contents and leaf sheath thickness varied significantly among different landraces but leaf hair density does not varied significantly. Impact of leaf hair density was not calculated due to non-significant variations, all other factors respond positively to the beetle's population and infestation. Data was recorded on per plant basis both for population and percent leaf infestation. Data was collected on every 5th day beginning 15 days after sowing. Data was analyzed using Statistica 8.0 and compared using DMR test.