Host plant resistance in chickpea against gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) under field and laboratory conditions

Nine chickpea genotypes were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera under field and laboratory conditions. The number of eggs and larvae of H.armigera on different genotypes varied from 2.30 to 15.74 and 0.27 to 13.28 per five plants, respectively. Genotype 5282 recorded significantly lowest oviposition/egg laying and larval population of 5.28 eggs and 3.56 larvae/five plants, respectively. Lowest pod damage of 11.02% and PRSR score of 3 was observed in genotype 5282. Significantly highest grain yield of 1388 kg/ha was recorded in genotype GL25016. Under laboratory conditions, the genotype GL 25016 recorded lowest leaf damage score of 2, whereas genotypes, viz, ICCL86111, RSG963, 5282 and ICC 10393 observed the leaf damage score of 3(1–9 scale). Lowest larval survival was found on RSG963(53.33%). The minimum larval and pupal weight of 1.01 and 0.156 g was also observed in genotype 5282. The genotype 5282, RSG 963, GL25016, and ICCL 86111 have shown moderate level of resistance against H. armigera and will be used as valuable insect tolerance source in crop improvement programme.