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Mung Bean Pest Population Dynamics Guide
Last Updated: August 10, 2025
Mung Bean Pest Population Dynamics: When Do Pests Attack?
Are you applying pest control treatments at the most effective time? For farmers, knowing when a pest will strike is just as critical as knowing how to fight it. Proactive management based on seasonal patterns can save crops, reduce costs, and improve yields. This is especially true for mung bean, a staple crop constantly under threat from sucking insects.
This article explores the core findings of a two-year thesis on mung bean pest population dynamics in Rajasthan. We will unpack the data to create a clear calendar of when the three most dangerous pests—aphids, whiteflies, and jassids—appear, peak, and decline. This knowledge can transform your pest management strategy from reactive to predictive.
The Critical Window for Pest Infestation
The study confirmed that for farmers in the region, there is a distinct period when vigilance is most required. The research monitored populations of the three main pests: “aphid (Aphis craccivora), jassid (Ampoasca motti) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)” (p. 72). The findings reveal a consistent pattern of infestation that begins in late summer and peaks as the season progresses.
Aphid Population Dynamics: A Predictable Surge
The research found that the arrival and peak of aphid populations were remarkably consistent over the two-year study period. This predictability is a powerful tool for farmers.
- 2019 Season: The “incidence of aphid on green gram was commenced from third week of August (33th standard week) with mean population 0.9 aphid/10cm twig/plant” (p. 72). The population grew rapidly, reaching its “peak with mean population 10.2 aphid/10cm twig/plant” in the first week of September (p. 72).
- 2020 Season: A similar pattern emerged. Aphids appeared in the “second week of August (33th standard week) with mean population 0.4 aphid/10cm twig/plant” (p. 76). The population then peaked in the “second week of September (37th standard week)… with mean population 11.6 aphid/10cm twig/plant” (p. 76).
Conclusion: Farmers can anticipate aphid infestations beginning in mid-to-late August, with the highest population pressure occurring in the first two weeks of September.
Whitefly Population Dynamics: Timing is Key to Virus Prevention
Controlling whiteflies is about more than just sap damage; it’s about preventing the spread of the devastating Yellow Mosaic Virus. Understanding their seasonal patterns is crucial for crop survival.
- 2019 Season: Whitefly infestation “started during second week of August (32th standard week)… with mean population 2.1 whitefly/6leaves/plant” (p. 73). The numbers quickly escalated to a “maximum population… of 14.1 whitefly/6leaves/plant… in first week of September” (p. 73).
- 2020 Season: The infestation began slightly later in the “second week of August (33th standard week)… with mean population 0.3 whitefly/6leaves/plant” (p. 76). The peak was recorded in the “second week of September (37th standard week) with mean 12.8 whitefly/6leaves/plant” (p. 76).
Conclusion: The critical window for whitefly control aligns with that of aphids. Infestations start in mid-August and reach their most dangerous levels in early September.
Jassid Population Dynamics: Mapping the Infestation Timeline
Jassids complete the trio of major sucking pests, and their population dynamics follow a familiar and predictable timeline.
- 2019 Season: Jassid incidence “commenced from second week of August (32th standard week) with mean population 0.3 jassid/6 leaves/plant” (p. 73). The population “touched peak with mean population 10.1 jassid/6 leaves/plant” in the first week of September (p. 73).
- 2020 Season: The infestation began in the “third week of August (34th standard week) with mean population 1.3 jassid/6 leaves/plant” (p. 77). The peak occurred in the “second week of September (37th standard week)… with mean population 9.4 jassid/6 leaves/plant” (p. 77).
Conclusion: The timeline for jassid threat is consistent. Farmers should begin monitoring in mid-to-late August and expect the highest population density in early September.
Conclusion: A Calendar for Proactive Pest Management
This detailed examination of mung bean pest population dynamics provides a clear and actionable calendar for farmers. The research consistently shows that the critical infestation window for aphids, whiteflies, and jassids in Rajasthan’s Kharif season opens in mid-August and peaks in early September. Armed with this knowledge, farmers can move from a reactive to a proactive pest management strategy, timing their interventions for maximum impact and ensuring a healthier, more productive harvest.
Sources & Citations
- Thesis Title: Study and Possible Control Measures for Insect Pests of Mung Bean in Rajasthan
- Researcher: Anand Kumar Prajapat
- Guide (Supervisor): Dr. Lekhu Gehlot
- University: Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur
- Year of Compilation: 2022
- Excerpt Page Numbers: 72, 73, 76, 77.
Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
Does this pest calendar match what you observe on your farm? Let us know your thoughts on timing your pest control strategies in the comments!
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