Screening of Genotypes against Major Sucking Insect- Pests of Mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia] in Arid Region

Abstract

Aim: Some genotypes of mothbean were screened for their comparative preference against jassids, whiteflies and thrips. Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design with three Replications. Ten genotypes (viz., RMO-225, RMO-40, RMO-423, RMO-435, RMO-257, RMO-25, RMO-141, RMO-20-36, RMO-04-01-28 and RMO-28-80) were screened against major sucking insect pests which were replicated thrice. Observations: The observations were recorded after two weeks of sowing at weekly intervals after two weeks of sowing. The pest populations were recorded on five randomly selected and tagged plants per plot in early hours when insect have minimum activity. Results: The data revealed that none of the genotypes ware found free from sucking insect pest attack. On the basis of peak population, the genotypes RMO-25 and RMO-141 were categorized as least preferred to jassids, whiteflies and thrips, whereas, RMO-435, RMO-225 and RMO-04-01-28 as highly preferred to jassids and whiteflies and RMO-435, RMO-225 and RMO-257 as highly resistant to thrips. Conclusion: It is well known that certain genotypes of crops are less attacked by a specific insect-pest than others because of natural resistance. In the integrated pest management programme, growing of varieties (RMO-25 and RMO-141) with less preference to sucking insect-pests is one of the most important tools without additional cost.