Insect Pests Associated with Pumpkin Crop (Cucurbita moschata) at Golaghat District of Assam, India

Insect pests affecting pumpkin crops ( Cucurbita moschata ) at Golaghat district of Assam, India, were investigated during two Rabi seasons (October/November - March/April) in 2022 and 2023. Fortnightly observations at both vegetative and reproductive stages identified seven major pests: red pumpkin beetle ( Raphidopalpa foveicollis, A. cincta , and A. intermedia ), fruit fly ( Bactrocera cucurbite ), aphis ( Aphis gossypii ), leaf miner ( Liriomyza spp .), whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci ), and spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae ). The overall trend of incidence was low to moderate, with variability with highest incidence 10.22% on 12.11.2023, generally lower levels, suggesting a significant pest pressure and slightly higher incidence in 2023–2024 season. The highest incidence was 15.32% on 10.02.2024 demonstrates significant and persistent pest pressure. The most significant pests were fruit flies ( Bickocera cucurbatae ), Aphids, leaf miners, and spiders. The analysis indicates that weather conditions, particularly temperature, have significant relationships with pest incidence. This information can be crucial for agricultural planning and pest management strategies, as understanding these relationships allows for better predictions of pest outbreaks based on weather forecasts.