SCREENING OF TROPICAL SUGAR BEET VARIETIES AGAINST SUGAR BEET CATERPILLAR (SPODOPTERA LITURA) IN BANGLADESH

Screening of tropical sugar beet varieties against the sugar beet caterpillar, Spodoptera litura, is important for understanding how different varieties respond to caterpillar pressure and developing pest-resistant cultivars, and increasing sugar beet crop productivity in Bangladesh. A study was carried out to identify the most tolerant sugar beet cultivars against Spodoptera litura attack as well as the extent of infestations by this insect pest. Results revealed that Cauvery was the best suited cultivar, whereas PAC-60008 was the most susceptible to S. litura. The PAC-60008 variety had the highest (7.73) number of bores plant-1 and caterpillar (14.66), whereas the Cauvery variety had the lowest (2.20) number of bore plant-1 and the fewest (2.00) caterpillar. Sugar beet yield and its associated attributes were higher in Cauvery variety but lower in PAC-60008 variety. Cauvery had the highest yield (89.96 t ha-1), while the PAC-60008 variety had the lowest (76.06 t ha-1). Cauvery exhibited the highest Brix (18.23%) and Pol (13.45%), whereas PAC-60008 showed the lowest Brix (14.70%) and Pol (11.18%). Cauvery variety was more tolerant to Spodoptera litura, and further study may be undertaken in multiple locations to get more information on the causes of lower pest infestation and production increase before providing recommendation for commercial cultivation of Cauvery variety.