Induction of Resistance by Organic and Micro Nutrients against Bhendi Shoot and Fruit Borer Earias vittella Fab.

Abstract

Bhendi Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench), is an economically and largely cultivated vegetable crop in India. Bhendi is susceptible to the attack of various insects from seedling to fruiting stage. Bhendi shoot and fruit borer, E. vittella is most serious pests which cause direct damage to tender shoots and fruits. The present study was undertaken to analyses the role of organic and micro nutrients in enhancing insect resistance in the selected bhendi accessions. With regard to the influence of organic nutrients on the feeding preference of E. vittella, plants supplied with vermicompost was less preferred. With regard to the influence of micronutrients on resistance in bhendi accessions, manganese applied plants recorded the minimum damage caused by E. vittella larvae in fruit feeding preference tests. The data these obtained by various experiments conducted were statistically using factorial randomized block design (FRBD).