Effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Trichomes are the morphological features present on the surface of plants, which provide resistance to several insect pests. A pot culture experiment with 48 cowpea accessions were conducted to evaluate the effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata. Significant variation in terms of damage to pods due to spotted pod borer was observed. The number of trichomes per unit area was significantly and negatively correlated (-0.441) with per cent damage. However, the length of trichomes on pods has no significant correlation with per cent damage.