Bruchid Resistant Studies using Stabilized Derivatives (F7 Families) of Interspecific Cross Cowpea × Rice Bean

Abstract

Bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) is the main constraint in cowpea production. It can be controlled by chemical application but it is hazardous and not eco-friendly, hence attempt has been made to derive bruchid resistant lines by screening 100 stabilized lines from interspecific cross between cowpea and rice bean. In this experiment, screening of 100 F7 segregants of cross DC615 (susceptible) × Dharwad local (resistant) along with checks (DC15, DCS47-1, RBHP-38 and IC18563) was carried out against bruchid through artificial infestation at the Department of Genetics and plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Out of 100 segregants screened, 7 were highly resistant, 52 were moderately resistant, 21 were least susceptible, 12 were moderately susceptible and 8 were highly susceptible. The segregant F7:78-1-1 registered least values for bruchid infestation, seed damage at 30, 45 and 75 days, loss of vigour and seed viability loss.