Studies on the Level of Egg and Larval Population of Helicoverpa Aruigera (Hubner) Under Variable Crop Conditions of Tomato

Two years (1992–93 and 1993–94) studies on the level of egg lying and larval population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) tomato revealed that the level of egg and larval population was invariably lower (3.76 eggs/plant and 2.16 larvae/plant) in the staked crop as against the unstaked crop (8.29 eggs/plant and 3.89 larvae/plant). The early transplanted staked Naveen harboured the lowest number of larvae (1.76) as compared to late transplanted unstaked Punjab Tropic (5.07). Thus, there is scope of manipulating the varietal characters and agronomic practices in the management of H. armigera in tomato crop.