Abstract
This study observed resource of resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to its principal insect pest gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). For this purpose, the susceptibility or resistance of 26 chickpea genotypes was checked at the farm conditions on the basis of combinations of different selected criteria (pod borer’s population, percentage of pod damage and grain yield). No any of protective measures were implemented to control insect pest spreading on crop. Data on numbers of H. armigera population per plant along with its damage were collected during seedling and pods formation stages, whereas, at crop maturity after harvesting determined seed yield to analyze statistically. Generally, pod borers infestations on different chickpea genotypes remained variable throughout cropping season. Similarly, grain yield of various genotypes also differed due to variable pest intensity and genetic diversity. Considering overall performance amongst the trial material, genotypes CM-24-2/02, CM-210/01, CH-53/99, and CC-94/99 proved the most stable for lessening pest population density and damage, and enhancing grain yield. This was almost certainly due to high potential of resistant chickpea genotypes for pest tolerance and yield enhancement; therefore, genotypes CM-24-2/02, CM-210/01, CH-53/99, and CC-94/99 may be used as resistant donors in the crossing program to evolve pod borer tolerant varieties of chickpea. On the other hand, genotype CM-86-3/02 appeared awkward because of highly affected in its survival against insect pest and poorest yield performance. Consequently, host plant resistance could be regarded as the most important sustainable approach to reduce losses due to insect pests. Key words: Cicer arietinum, resistance, Helicoverpa, pod borer, chickpea.
Highlights
Among the grain legumes, chickpea or gram (Cicer arietinum L.) is the premier pulse crop and has occupied a prominent position
The mean larval survival was lower on CM-24-2/02, CM210/01, CH-53/99, and CC-94/99 (0.88, 0.88, 1.10 and 1.11) larvae per m plant row, respectively and rated as resistant, clearly indicating the preponderance of the inheritance of antibiosis component under field conditions
26 chickpea genotypes were screened for resistance to gram pod borer, H. armigera under natural field conditions; four genotypes, which included, CM-242/02, CM-210/01, CH-53/99 and CC-94/99 recorded less pod damage compared to the rest of entries
Summary
Chickpea or gram (Cicer arietinum L.) is the premier pulse crop and has occupied a prominent position. It is primarily consumed as green grain, dry whole seed, decorticated split cotyledons and flour (Sarwar, 2013). Chickpea seed is recognized as a valuable source of dietary proteins (18 to 22%), carbohydrate (52 to 70%), fat (4 to 10%), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) and vitamins. At 21% protein (range 17 to 26%), chickpea seed is a protein-rich supplement to cereal-based diets, especially critical in developing countries where people either cannot afford animal protein or are vegetarian by choice. In addition to its importance in human food and animal feed, chickpea
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