Screening of finger millet genotypes against pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens Walker, Noctuidae, Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Small millets are nutritionally superior to rice and wheat. Realizing the importance and nutritional superiority of millets, they are considered as nutri-cereals. Finger millet (Ragi) Eleusine coracana Gaertn is the most widely cultivated one among the small millet group. Ragi crop is grown generally in tribal dominated areas of Odisha. Finger millet pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera) is one of the most important insect pest of finger millet during Rabi season in Odisha. Among the eco-friendly pest management practices, the identification of pest resistant cultivars is an economical, easy and sustainable strategy which is very essential to increase the production and productivity. An experiment was conducted at CPR, Berhampur of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for screening of finger millet (Ragi) genotypes against stem borer incidence during Rabi, 2012-13 and Rabi, 2013-14. Twenty nine finger millet genotypes were included in the test. The genotypes, PRM 9002, KOPN 933, OEB 28, RAU 8 and Champabati recorded less stem borer incidence both in tillering(