Resistance profiling of soybean genotypes against semilooper and tobacco caterpillar infestation in Udaipur region

Abstract

The present investigation on screening of different genotypes viz., JS-335, JS 20-34, JS 97-52, JS 20-98, JS 20-116, JS 21-72, RKS-45, RVS 2011-10, RKS-18, RKS -113, NRC-152 and RSC 10-46 was conducted during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. This study investigates the susceptibility of various soybean genotypes to insect pests, specifically targeting the semilooper (Chrysodeixis acuta) and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), which pose considerable threats to crop yield. Observations were made on pest populations using vertical beat sampling, leading to the identification of resistance levels among the varieties. Results indicated that JS 20-116 and NRC-152 exhibited the highest susceptibility to pest infestations, while JS 20-98 and JS 97-52 demonstrated significant resistance. The findings reveal that moderate resistance was observed in varieties like JS 20-34, RVS 2011-10, and RKS-113, underscoring the potential for selective breeding to enhance pest resistance in soybean crops. This research highlights the importance of employing resistant soybean varieties in pest management strategies to improve yield and sustainability in soybean cultivation.