Emergence of Amsacta moorei moths as influenced by ambient weather parameters

A three year study (July 1993 to August 1995) was conducted at Hisar to obs erve the emergence pattern of Amsacta moorei Butler moths in the field in r elation to temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Laboratory-reared f ully grown larvae were released and allowed to pupate in the soil under cag ed conditions in the field. Moth emergence was observed to be directly rela ted to the mean relative humidity (70%) coupled with mean temperature aroun d 30 degreesC. About three-fourth moth population of a generation emerged d uring the same year and of these ca. 80% emerged within 7-10 days after rai ns resulting above atmospheric conditions. The remaining moths emerged in t he following year(s). For initiation of moth emergence a minimum of 70-80% relative humidity was found to be necessary. Subsequent moth emergence coul d, however, be observed even at a lower relative humidity but not below 50% .