Vertical destructive pattern of Amrasca biguttula (ISHIDA) to sunflower and its control in Kolhapur District of Maharashtra

Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is cell sap sucking insect pest of Sunflower Helianthus anus (L.) which affect the yield of crop by allowing leaves yellow, curly, causing sooty moulds and affecting photosynthesis of the crop plant. Therefore, vertical destructive pattern of this species has been reported. The lower leaves had lowest number of nymphs and upper highest. The peak of incidence was noticed in the month of August and it was higher in low rainfall spots (Shirol and Kolhapur) than in higher rainfall spot (Radhanagari). During the non flowering stage vertical migratory damage towards top leaves was noticed. Hence chemical control with 0.03% Azadirachtin or 0.15% carbaryl and biological control with Coccinella sp. are integrated parts of pest management of Jassid in Kolhapur region.