Field screening of chickpea genotypes for pod borer resistance and yield traits<i></i>

The present study was conducted during 2023–24 at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar and at 36/TDA farmer field to evaluate the resistance response of various chickpea genotypes against the pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under field conditions. Twelve chickpea genotypes were screened, among which TGK-1804, TGK-1803, and TG-1908 exhibited high resistance with average pod borer populations of 1.38, 1.42, and 1.51 per plant, respectively which were significantly lower than the check varieties TG-Striker and Noor-2009. In contrast, TGK-1504, TG-1626, and TG-1762 recorded the highest susceptibility. TGK-1804 also recorded the highest number of fruit-bearing branches (10.47), plant height (51.87 cm), total pods per plant (68.6) and maximum yield (952.08 kg/ha). Conversely, TGK-1504 showed the lowest performance in these parameters. Weather parameters had a notable influence on pod borer infestation. The average and maximum temperatures exhibited a significant positive correlation with pod borer population (r = 0.844 and r = 0.718, respectively), while minimum temperature and relative humidity showed weak and non-significant positive correlations (r = 0.158 and r = 0.180). Average rainfall, however, showed a negative and non-significant correlation (r = -0.128). The study concludes that genotypes such as TGK-1804 and TGK-1803 offer promising resistance to pod borer and can be recommended for cultivation or further breeding programs aimed at enhancing pest resistance in chickpea.