Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

The present investigation on the varietal screening of 13 pea genotypes including a check was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, RAK College of Agriculture, Sehore, M.P. during Rabi 2020-2021. The larval population of H. armigera was found to be minimum in Pant P 484 with 1.21 larvae/ plant, with a pod damage of 2.28%, and maximum in KPMR 942 with 2.01 larvae/ plant, with a pod damage of 12.82% which was found statistically at par with HFP 16-02 with 1.91 larvae/ plant (12.37% pod damage). The maximum population of L. boutiques was also recorded on KPMR 942 (2.22 larvae/ plant) with pod damage of 15.00% followed by HFP 16-02 (13.40%) while it was minimum in Pant P 484 (1.36 larvae/ plant) with 2.83% pod damage. The result on the yield was maximum in Pant P 484 with 2818 kg/ha and the minimum yield was recorded in KPMR 942 with 919 kg/ha during the crop period. Out of a total of 13 varieties tested for infestation by the pod borers, three varieties (Pant P 484, IPFD 20-03 and IPFD 12-02) were found to be highly resistant, two varieties (Pant P 480 and IPFD 11-05) were least susceptible, four varieties (Pant P 479, RNCP 14-13, IPFD 20-09 and IPFD 20-02) were considered to be moderately susceptible, and four varieties (KPMR 942, HFP 17-11, HFP 16-02 and IPFD 10-12) were reported to be highly susceptible. By identifying resistant genotypes, we can adopt more targeted and sustainable strategies to combat pod borers, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizing crop losses. These resistant genotypes could also serve as valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing improved cultivars with enhanced resistance and contribute to the broader field of integrated pest management in field pea cultivation.