Effect on Grain Yield in Pigeonpea Genotypes with Different Levels of Resistance to the Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera
Twelve pigeon pea genotypes with different levels of resistance to Helicoverpa armigera were evaluated for their ability to withstand pod borer damage or recover from damage based on loss in grain yield under field conditions (Andhra Pradesh, India). Under unprotected conditions, ICPL 332, ICPL 84060, and ICPL 98001 suffered low pod damage compared to the susceptible control, ICPL 87, and there were >40 pods per plant in ICP 7203-1, ICPL 98001, ICPL 98008, ICPL 84060, and ICPL 332 compared to <25 pods in case of ICPL 87. The loss in grain yield was <29% in ICPL 332, ICPL 84060, and ICPL 187-1 compared to 87.2% in ICPL 87. Genotypes such as ICPL 332, ICPL 187-1, and ICPL 84060, which suffered low pod damage and/or low reduction in grain yield can be used for the management of H. armigera, or as sources of resistance in the pigeon pea improvement programme.