Screening of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Genotypes against Pod Borer Complex under Field Conditions in Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

Abstract

The pod borer complex, including Helicoverpa armigera, Melanagromyza obtusa, and Exelastis atomosa are one of the major problems of pigeonpea cultivation in the eastern plateau and hill region (EPHR) of India. Field screening of fourteen medium-duration pigeonpea genotypes for their response to key pod borer complex was assessed during Kharif 2023-24 and 2024-25 in a randomized block design at the research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. The total pod damage caused by the pod borer complex varied from 9.27% in Ormanjhi-local to 21.70% in BAUPP 22-12. Per cent grain damage exhibited a comparable pattern, ranging between 5.70% and 13.90%, and showed a significant correlation with pod damage. Across both years, Ormanjhi-local consistently showed the lowest pod damage from 3.20 to 4.60 percent and showed the lowest pest susceptibility rating, ranging from 55.21% to 63.08% in both years.  Ormanjhi-local proved to be the most promising genotype for resistance against major pod borer complex, exhibiting the lowest levels of pod and grain damage. The suggested genotype can further be utilized for pod borer-resistant breeding programmes.