Varietal Screening of Pea against Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Homoptera: Aphididae) under Manipur Valley Conditions

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at College of Agriculture, CAU, Iroisemba, Imphal during Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. Nine varieties/cultivars were screened to evaluate the resistance or susceptibility of pea cultivars/varieties against pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Homoptera: Aphididae). The population of pea aphids were observed from 30 DAS till maturity of the crop i.e.107 DAS. Out of nine varieties/cultivars screened, 7 felt under least susceptible and 2 felt under highly susceptible category. Maximum mean aphid population of 30.07 (aphids/10 cm shoots/plant) and 29.98 (aphids/10 cm shoots/plant) was found in Makuchabi cultivar in both the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 respectively.The lowest population of 20.11 (aphids/10 cm shoots/plant) and 20.19 (aphids/10 cm shoots/plant was recorded in the variety GS-10 in both the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 respectively followed by the varieties Kanchan and NS-100. None of the varieties/cultivars felt under moderately susceptible category. Promising varieties/genotypes can be found according to this research which unequivocally show the existence of innate resistance against important pests. In addition to being useful genetic resources for crop development initiatives, these types can be successfully employed in breeding plans meant to produce cultivars that are resistant to pests. Additionally, incorporating them into integrated pest management (IPM) programs can  increase crop output overall, improve sustainable pest control, and lessen reliance on chemical pesticides.