Survey on screening resistance resources in some chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes against gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pest

These efforts examined sources of resistance in some chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to its foremost insect pest gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). The susceptibility of 23 chickpea genotypes was checked at the farm conditions. Overall, pod borers infestation throughout cropping season remained variable on different genotypes. A peak pest population density and its damage, and reduction in grain yield and its quality occurred in CM-1594/01 genotype. At the same environmental conditions, decreased pest population and peak yield were observed in genotype CH-31/99. This was definitely due to occurrence of variable genetic potential of resistant or susceptible genotypes towards pest tolerance and yield enhancement. For that reason, genotype CH-31/99 may be used as resistant donor in the genetically crossing program to evolve pod borer resistant/ tolerant varieties of chickpea. Hence, host plant resistance could be considered as the most sustainable approach to reduce losses due to insect pests.