Effect of plant phenology and some climatic factors on certain important pests affecting cucumber crops on different ecosystems

Abstract

Experimental trials were conducted during 2021 and 2022 summer growing season at Sidi salem district, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate and Brunch Village, El Ayat Center, Giza Governorate Egypt. Monitor included two different ecosystems on cucumber plant. Results revealed that, general weekly mean number of the pests (Bemisia tabaci immature and Tetranychus urticae movable stage) was higher
abundant at Giza Governorate than these recorded at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate throughout two successive seasons 2021 and 2022. The statistical analysis of the total mean number of pests showed significant difference at <0.0001 for two different locations whereas T value equal (19.55). On the other hand, the population densities of the pests were higher abundant on May (871 and 842 individual /
pests) at different ecosystem (Giza and Kafr El-Sheikh), respectively in first season. But in the second season found in April, was higher mean number of pests (872 and 612 individual / pests) at different ecosystem (Giza and Kafr El-Sheikh), respectively. Than these recorded on March lower mean number of pests (402 and 292 individual / pests) at different ecosystem (Giza and Kafr El-Sheikh) in first season and the second season recorded mean number of pests (451 and 322 individual / pests) at different ecosystem (Giza and Kafr El-Sheikh. results showed that significant positive effects to maximum and minimum temperature on the seasonal fluctuations of Bemisia tabaci immature and Tetranychus urticae movable stage on both seasons (2021 and 2022) Data cleared that, the mean percentage of relative humidity had significant negative effect during two successive seasons. Considering plant phenology
as plant age (X) (presented by three degree polynomial equation Y= a+ b1X+ b2X2+ b3X3) revealed that the most relation to the variance in population the results showed that significant positive effect in both seasons. The combined effect of maximum , minimum temperature and the mean percentage of relative humidity and age of plant factors as a group (E.V) showed responsible of 93%, 97 %, 86%, 83% 83%,87%,92% and 83% effects on the population dynamics of Bemisia tabaci immature and Tetranychus urticae movable stage throughout in seasons 2021 and 2022 at different ecosystem. These additional values did not appear to be noteworthy. These findings do not completely exclude the impact of meteorological variables on population dynamics. These variables may exhibit significant effects in a laboratory setting. These elements, when present in the field, initially have an impact on plant development, which makes the plant more appealing to pests. Thus, statistically, the influence of meteorological elements was replaced by plant phenology as plants became older.