Screening of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench] genotypes for shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella Fab.) resistance

Thirty one genotypes of okra, collected from different sources were evaluated for resistance to shoot and fruit borer in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum during 2011–2012. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all parameters employed for evaluation of resistance. Fruit damage was highest in case of the genotype IC 7119 and lowest in Nedumangad Local. The genotypes Belagavi Local 1 and Mandya Local 3 recorded lowest percentage of shoot infestation. Fruit damage, overall consideration of damage measurements, indicated Nedumangad Local as a suitable genotype with respect to shoot and fruit borer resistance. Feeding preferences also suggested Nedumangad Local as an accession least preferred by the larvae for feeding. Combination breeding efforts utilizing Mallapalli Local, the highest yielder and Nedumangad Local as the resistance source would hopefully lead to development of high yielding resistant genotypes.