Seasonal Incidence of Schizotetranychus krungthepensis Naing & Auger on Sugarcane: Correlation with Weather Parameters and Crop Impact

A two-year field study was conducted during the cropping seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at Bhai Rupa, Punjab, to investigate the seasonal incidence of the sugarcane web mite, Schizotetranychus krungthepensis, on two sugarcane varieties (CoJ 88 and CoJ 85), and assess the influence of weather parameters on its population dynamics. On sugarcane varieties CoJ 88 and CoJ 85, mite incidence peaked in third week of August in 2022–23, whereas in 2023–24 peak incidence was observed in last week of June and second week of September. Mite activity showed higher egg counts during June and August, whereas both egg and active stages declined sharply during winter months. Weather parameters significantly impacted mite population dynamics, positively correlating with temperature, wind speed and sunshine hours, while relative humidity had a negative correlation. The intensity rate of mite damage was comparable across both varieties, with minimal variation in infestation rates. However, intensity rate was reduced in 2023–24 due to fluctuating environmental conditions. Chlorophyll and brix content decreased as mite damage increased.