Diversity and Dynamics of Insect Fauna in Summer Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

The study aimed to explore the diversity and dynamics of the insect fauna in summer mungbean (Kanpur, India), with a focus on identifying major pests, predators, and their associations. Insect populations comprising diversified species were systematically recorded during vegetative, flowering, and pod-development stages. Insects were collected from plants as well as aerial net sweeps and counted species wise. Total 61 insect species, classified into 46 families and 11 orders, were observed. The major pests identified were Bagrada hilaris, Aphis craccivora, and Nezara viridula, collectively constituted 24% of the total populations. Tapinoma melanocephalum, closely associated with A. craccivora, was more abundant during vegetative stage, while B. hilaris (Pentatomid bug) predominated during both vegetative and flowering stages. Species diversity indices (Shannon-wiener and Simpson, and Richness) were significantly higher during pod-development compared to vegetative and flowering stages (p < 0.05). In contrast, ecological dominance was greater during vegetative and flowering stages due to the dominance of B. hilaris, A. craccivora, and thrips. The population of natural predators was notably high (18.3%), with prevalence of those that feeds on aphids.