Tagging inflorescence method: An Antixenosis mechanism of resistance against Pigeon Pea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract

Twenty six germplasms of pigeonpea screened for their resistance/tolerance to pod borer Helicoverpa armigera under natural infestation in pesticides free open field for two consecutive years. Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most important pests of pigeonpea, and plant resistance is an important component for minimizing the extent of losses caused by this pest. Therefore, to develop insect-resistant cultivars, we studied the antixenosis mechanism of resistance to H. armigera in a diverse array of pigeonpea germplasms under tagging inflorescence method. Tagging inflorescence an antixenosis mechanism was tested in case of 26 germplasms under field conditions. It was observed that, all the germplasms tested were found moderate to low resistance to H. armigera, none of them was found free from infestation of the pest. Among the germplasms tested PT-0012 recorded highest number of pods followed by Bahar. Lowest pod per 25 cm inflorescence was recorded in JKM-07. The germplasms developed by the local research station Badanapur, BDN-2003-1, BDN-2001-9 and BDN-708 was found superior with PT-0012, ICPL-332, ICPL-84060 WRG-53, BSMR-853 and AKT-8811 in case of per cent pod damaged, larval survival and lower larval weight than other germplasms. Germplasm JKM-207 recorded highest pod damage, larval survival and larval weight by H. armigera.