Influence of Abiotic Factors on the Occurrence of Three Major Parasitoids of Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae)

A three year study on the influence of abiotic factors on the occurrence of major parasitolds associated with the pumpkin caterplllar, Diaphania indica (Saunders) revealed that Apanteles taragamae Vler.and Goniozus sensorius Gordh were active during the cooler months of the year (October-April) indicating that temperature had a negative influence on their occurrence. The activity of Apantele s macbaeralls Wilkinson was maximum from April to August and its occurrence was positively influenced by temperature.