Host plant resistance relationshiphs in chickpea (cicer arietinum l.) against gram pod borer (helicoverpa armigera hubner

Abstract

Gram Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) is the most imperative constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production causing severe losses or there may be complete crop failure inspite of several rounds of insecticidal applications. Most importantly, the alternatives to chemicals comprise the selection and use of tolerant and high yielding varieties against this pest. In the present studies, the response of 10 chickpea genotypes to gram pod borer H. armigera was checked at the farm conditions. Results indicated that C-727 behaved the best for holding the least borer’s population and damage while CM-88 proved sensitive and the least productive. A marked feeding behaviour of Helicoverpa on growing chickpea crop was recorded. Framers can be in the forefront of following host plant resistance and such eco-friendly practices may endow with an absolute foundation of holistic IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Programme.