No abstract

In the present study, host selection behaviour and biological performance of Sesamia inferens on different maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes was investigated in 2018–19, and constitutive and insect damage-induced levels of various photosynthetic pigments were determined. There were significant differences in larval period, larval survival, larval weight, pupal period, pupal weight, adult emergence, and fecundity of S. inferens on the test maize genotypes. The S. inferens that fed on maize genotypes, viz. CPM 2, CPM 4, CPM 8, CPM 15 and CML 345 showed significant increase in developmental period, decrease in larval weight, and reduced larval survival, adult emergence and fecundity as compared to other test genotypes. The S. inferens larval recovery and preference were significantly lower, while the larvae took longer time to establish in the whorls of CPM 2, CPM 15 and CML 345 as compared to other test maize genotypes. The chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B and total chlorophyll content varied significantly in the seedlings of different maize genotypes, under healthy and S. inferens damaged conditions (except, chlorophyll B), while the genotype × treatment interactions were non-significant. The differences for total carotenoids were non-significant. The S. inferens infestation reduced these photosynthetic pigments in the seedlings of all test maize genotypes, except Basi Local, with lowest reduction in CPM 2. The study suggests that the maize genotypes, viz. CPM 2, CPM 4, CPM 8, CPM 15 and CML 345 have greater detrimental effects on the development, survival and fecundity of S. inferens, and can be used in maize improvement program.

Chickpea is important pulse crop of India and in terms of production it rank first in legumes. During storage, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is severely attacked by some bruchid species, especially Callosobruchus chinensis L. and C. analis F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), resulting in losses in quantity and quality. In the present study eight cultivars (BG-256, Pusa-372, BGD-72, Pusa-1088, Pusa-5023, Pusa-5028, Pusa-1103, BG-1108) of chickpea were selected and evaluated against C. chinensis and C. analis. The choice and no choice methods were adopted to evaluate oviposition, emergence, mean development period (MDP) and growth index (GI) of selected chickpea cultivars on two years produce. The results revealed that there are significant differences in biological parameters which recorded by choice and no choice methods among selected varieties. The difference in varietal suitability or unsuitability affects the bruchid growth and development. Also it was found that stored seeds are more suitable to one species than other species according to storage duration. One year old seeds were found more suitable than freshly harvested seeds in case of Callosobruchus analis, but in case of Callosobruchus chinensis except few varieties maximum freshly harvested seeds were found more susceptible. These varietal characteristics responsible for such a behavior may be used and incorporated in breeding programme to develop high yielding varieties which are also resistant to insect infestation during storage.