MOHINDER, SINGHSHARMA, PRIYANKA2017-11-252017-11-252017-11http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810036389ABSTRACT The present study entitled “Impact of weather parameters on seed production of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted at three locations viz; Nauni, Saproon and Kandaghat during rabi season of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The location Nauni was warmest, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Significant variations in seed yield and yield contributing characters of cauliflower were observed due to execution of different weather conditions. The minimum number of days to flower initiation, 50 per cent flowering, initiation of seed stalk and seed set in cauliflower were observed at Nauni, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod were found highest at Saproon (1055.2pods/plant; 18.4seeds/pod) which is coolest location as compared to other two. The maximum seed yield (239.6 kg/ha) was obtained from this location. Nauni and Kandaghat showed reduced cauliflower seed yield compared to that obtained from Saproon. The lowest seed yield (174.0 kg/ha) was recorded at Nauni. The forenoon humidity during October to December exhibited significant and positive correlation with seed yield. During January to March minimum temperature showed significant and positive correlation with seed yield, whereas during April to June maximum temperature showed significant and positive impact on cauliflower seed production. Four classes of pollinators; honey bees, syrphid flies, other wild bees and other insect pollinators (butterflies, moths and beetles etc.) were recorded on cauliflower seed crop in three study locations. Weather parameters mainly minimum temperature and forenoon humidity influenced the foraging activity of different pollinators. Among different pollinators honey bees were most frequent visitors. The pollinator abundance was highest at Saproon followed by Kandaghat and Nauni. The cabbage aphid, cabbage caterpillar and painted bug were recorded important insect pests on cauliflower seed crop. Highest pest infestation was recorded at Nauni, followed by Kandaghat and lowest at Saproon.ennullThesis