Biophysical basis of resistance to H. armigera in Pigeonpea

The study on titled “Biophysical basis of Resistance to H. armigera in Pigeonpea” was conducted at Department of Entomology, Post Graduate Institute Dr. PDKV, Akola on Pulses Research Unit farm during the kharif season 2024-25. Screening of 13 pigeonpea genotypes were conducted for their resistance to pod borer which includes H. armigera under field conditions and their association with morphological characters for resistance. The pod borer H. armigera is considered the most devastating pest of pigeonpea. To develop effective breeding strategies for resistance to insect pests, it is essential to understand the various biophysical components of resistance. The results revealed that the resistance of genotypes PDKV Ashlesha, Godavari, PDKV Tara and ICPL 332 WR was indicated by their low pest susceptibility rating (PSR= 3). Five plant parameters viz., Plant height, pod length, pod width, pod wall thickness, trichomes were studied in 13 selected pigeonpea genotypes. Plant height (r = -0.704**), pod width (r = - 0.467) and pod wall thickness (r = - 0.676**) exhibit a strong negative association with percent pod damage. Pod length (r = 0.266) showed non- significant positive correlation. Four morphologically distinct type (Type A, B, C and D) of trichomes were present on calyx and pods. Type A and B were glandular trichomes and type C and D were non-glandular trichomes. Among tested genotypes pod surface stickiness was absent in ICPL 87. The study revealed that number of seeds per pod was maximum in ENT 11; 4.24 seeds/pod. Therefore, Genotypes with thicker pod walls, higher non-glandular trichomes, in pigeonpea serve as key biophysical markers for identifying greater resistance to H. armigera.