MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF RESISTANCE TO POD BORER HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA IN PIGEONPEA

Abstract

This study evaluates sources of resistance to the pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in 15 long duration pigeonpea genotypes with experiments done during 2017-19. Association of morphological and biochemical traits was also evaluated. The results revealed that the least pod damage was attributed to high phenol content in pods (-0.668**), seeds (-0.719**) and high trichomes density (-0.637*). The susceptibility of genotypes (IVT-1-903, IVT-12-904, IVT-703) was indicated by their high pest susceptibility rating (PSR), and due to greater pod length (0.563*) and width (0.603**). The activity of protein, reducing sugars, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, pod wall thickness and number of seeds/ pod was also studied. Genotypes IVT-705, IVT-706 and IVT-1-901 emerged out to be the least susceptible (PSR = 4). Role of these traits are discussed to identify basis of resistance. © 2019, The Entomological Society of India. All rights reserved.