author(s)
Yogesh Patel and Preeti Patel

abstract
The Path analysis of climatic factors affects the population of Spotted Bollworm (SBW), Earias insulana (Boisduval) Lepidoptera–Noctuidae in Cotton was assessed at the Jawharlal Nehru Agriculture University, Cotton Research Station, Khandwa M.P. The perusal of data on the population of Spotted Bollworm (SBW) revealed that the spotted bollworm, Earias insulana was first observed during the 28th SMW i.e. I week of July and remained active till 47th SMW (4^th week of November). The peak population level was observed during 35th SMW i.e. I^st week of September. The correlation studies between SBW population and weather factors revealed that the SBW population had a significant positive correlation with min temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity, wind velocity. The multiple regression computed involving combined effect of maximum temperature (X1), minimum temperature (X2), morning relative humidity (X3), evening relative humidity (X4), sunshine hours (X5), wind velocity (X6), rainfall (X7) and rainy day (X8) was Y=-69.557+0.798X1+0.745X2 +0.332X3+0.113X4+0.296X5+0.043X6+0.043X7-0.914X8 R2=0.724). The Path coefficient analysis revealed that minimum temperature had positive and high direct effect on larval population of spotted bollworm, followed by morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity, respectively. Overall result of the experiment it can be concluded that mild rainfall with mild to high temperature (26 to 34 ºC) and high humidity (>60 %) were congenial for the multiplication of the pest.