Morphological Basis of Resistance in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) against Pod Borer Complex

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out to determine the morphological basis of resistance in pigeonpea against pod borer complex during kharif 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 at College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Bharuch (Gujarat). Among the twelve pigeonpea genotypes/cultivars screened, BP-17-02 was found highly resistant and BP-16-182, BP-16-228, BP-16-261, ICPL-87119 and BP-16-166 were found resistant whereas, GNP-2 and Vaishali were found highly susceptible against pod borers. Genotypes/cultivars namely, BP-16-178, ICPL 87119, BP-16-182, BP-16-228 and BP-16-183 were found resistant to pod fly. Genotypes/cultivars having short pod length, narrow pod breadth, narrow seed breadth, more seeds/pod, more seed weight, more seed density, thick pod wall thickness and long trichome length recorded lower pod borers population. Pod length had a significant positive correlation with Maruca vitrata, Exelastis atomosa and Melanagromyza obtusa. Significant positive association was found between pod breadth and larval population of Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata. Significant negative correlation was found between Exelastis atomosa and pod wall thickness.