Seasonal Occurrences of Insect Pests in Watermelon under Greenhouses as Affected by Cropping Season
The seasonal occurrence of insect pests in watermelon cultivated in greenhouses was surveyed in Gochang from 2006 to 2007 considering three seasonal types of culture: forcing culture, semi-forcing culture and retarding culture. Aphis gossypii, mites (Tetranychus urticae+T. kanzawai) and Palpita indica were the most serious pest species in watermelon greenhouse culture. A. gossypii and mites showed high density during the months of June and September in semi-forcing and retarding culture, respectively. Palpita indica was observed only in retarding culture. Leaf damage by Palpita indica was observed from the middle of August and peaked to 79.4% damage in the middle of September. Thrips and whiteflies were captured in high density by the yellow sticky trap in semi-forcing culture and retarding culture but these insects showed low population density in watermelon leaves.