Correlation of biochemical traits with resistance to pod borer infestation in pigeonpea

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to determine the biochemical traits associated with resistance to pod borers in various pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) genotypes. Field experiments were conducted at the Research cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, during the Kharif seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25, while complementary biochemical analyses were performed in the Biochemical Laboratory, Department of Entomology, IGKV, Raipur. Significant variations were observed among genotypes in the biochemical constituents of pods and their association with pod borer damage. Total phenol content in the pods of genotypes exhibited a strong negative correlation (r = -0.670) and chlorophyll content (r = -742) with the percentage of pod damage, indicating its potential role in imparting biochemical resistance. In contrast, protein content, total soluble sugars, and reducing sugars were positively and significantly correlated with pod damage (protein: r = 0.782, total soluble sugars: r = 0.808, reducing sugars: r = 0.657,). The results suggest that higher phenolic and chlorophyll content enhances resistance, whereas elevated protein and sugar levels increases susceptibility to pod borers. These findings provide a biochemical basis for identifying and developing pigeonpea genotypes resistant to pod borer infestation.