Performance of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes against Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner)

The present study evaluated the resistance of sixteen field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes, including the reference genotype FPD 21-148, against Helicoverpa armigera, a destructive pod borer pest causing significant yield losses, in Sehore district, Malwa region, Madhya Pradesh, during the Rabi season 2021-22. Screening was conducted under field conditions, and pest incidence was monitored from pod initiation to till harvesting by recorded the weekly mean larval population from ten randomly selected plants per genotype. At harvest, pod damage percentage and grain yield were assessed on three plants per genotype. Results revealed that FPD 21-150, FPD 21-151, FPD 21-155, and FPD 21-159 were moderately susceptible, whereas FPD 21-148, FPD 21-149, and FPD 21-158 exhibited the least susceptibility to infestation of pod borer, H. armigera. The remaining genotypes were highly susceptible. The larval population was lowest in FPD 21-148 (2.22 larvae/plant) and highest in FPD 21-154 (4.78 larvae/plant). Grain yield ranged from 2815 kg/ha (FPD 21-148) to 1045 kg/ha (FPD 21-154), while pod damage varied from 23.09% to 41.81%, respectively. A strong negative association was observed between infestation level and yield. The findings emphasize the potential of incorporating host plant resistance into integrated pest management for sustainable field pea cultivation.