Chronological association of foliage insects among specific olericulture crops i.e. mustard, beet root and kale

Abstract

Olericulture crops are none woody leafy vegetables that contain high nutrients, vitamins, and iron. Foliage insects show chronological association with their specific host vegetable such as Mustard leaves beat root and kale were the main olericulture crops that were selected to estimate the prevalence and variety of foliage insects. Samples were collected by aerial nets, direct handpicking, and sweep nets and with the help of forceps. Larvae of the many insects were voracious eaters. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera were the major foliage insects order that directly or indirectly affect these vegetables. The result indicates that foliage insects show sequential association with their host vegetable. Maximum dominance and variety of insects were found in kale and the least abundance was recorded in Mustard leaves because mustard leaves secretes some toxins that repels the insects. Common insects among 3 of them were flea beetles.