Field evaluation of mungbean varieties against the incidence and damage of flea beetle

Abstract

A field evaluation of ten mungbean varieties for flea beetle tolerance was conducted in Sonakhali, Barguna sadar, Barguna, Bangladesh from January to April 2016. No variety was found completely free from the attack. BARI Mung-5 and BARI Mung- 6 exhibited the lowest mean flea beetle populations (1.93/m² and 2.00/m², respectively) indicating least susceptibility. The local variety had the lowest percentage of leaf infestation per plant (13.95%), followed by BARI Mung-5 (14.84%). Flea beetle appeared in 16 days after germination (16^th February) and peaked in the third week (February 23^rd). No variety was found to be free the leaf area damage by flea beetle. BARI Mung-6, GK Mung-27, Binamoog-2 and IPSA Mung-5 had the highest leaf damage, indicating greater susceptibility to flea beetle infestation. Beetle populations increased with rising temperature and relative humidity. A negative correlation existed between beetle numbers and yield, showing yield decreased progressively with infestation increase. BARI Mung- 5 and BARI Mung-6 demonstrated comparatively better tolerance.

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 50(1): 87-97, March 2025