Influence of Seasonal Weather Variability on Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) Population Dynamics and Associated Viral Disease Incidence in Open-Field Okra Production

Whitefly, okra pests, YVMV, weather correlation, pest forecasting, seasonal fluctuation, regression modeling, temperature influence, viral disease incidence

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a persistent pest in okra production, causing both direct feeding damage and transmission of yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV). A two-year field study was conducted to evaluate seasonal fluctuations in whitefly populations in relation to temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns. Results showed a strong positive correlation between whitefly abundance and weekly mean temperatures above 28°C, while heavy rainfall events reduced adult survival. Viral incidence closely mirrored population peaks, with the highest infection rate (65.4%) recorded during late summer. Regression models developed in this study can predict whitefly outbreaks up to two weeks in advance with 82% accuracy. The findings emphasize the need to incorporate weather-based forecasting tools into regional pest management advisories.

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