Evaluation of Pigeonpea Accessions and Selected Lines for Reaction to Maruca

Abstract

Maruca vitrata (Geyer) is a serious insect pest of tropical legumes. In Sri Lanka, yield losses due to Maruca damage in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] range up to 100%. The development of resistant cultivars and germplasm is one of the best means of control. The objectives of this study were to screen 271 accessions for resistance to M. vitrata and evaluate reaction of lines selected from the promising accessions. The high level of natural incidence of Maruca in Sri Lanka provided an opportunity for evaluation of germplasm at Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Maha Illuppallama. Screening of the germplasm accessions revealed large variation in Maruca damage to flowers and pods. On average, the Maruca damage in determinate accessions (66–75%) was higher than that of nondeterminate accessions (41–50%). Resistant plants from four determinate and 12 nondeterminate accessions were selected. Further selection for resistance to Maruca damage among and within lines derived from the resistant plants was exercised for six generations under nonsprayed field conditions. Under insecticide‐free conditions, the selections from two accessions showed significant yield advantages over controls. Data on pod damage and larval counts indicated that the resistance was conditioned through yield compensation mechanisms. In pigeonpea, this is the first report of the selection of Maruca resistant lines. Further studies showed that by using the resistant genotypes it is possible to reduce the number of insecticide sprays for economic yields.

Efficacy and economics of certain new generation novel insecticides against legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

“…The infestation levels range from 9-51% [5], whereas 84 per cent pod borer damage in pigeonpea [6]. The annual loss was estimated to be US $ 30 million [7]. The larvae feed on flowers, buds and pods and the entrance hole is plugged with excreta.…”

Distinguishing Proof and Utilization of Resistance of Insect Pests in Grain Legumes: Progress and Limitations

“…In general, the estimates of yield losses vary from 50 to 100% in the tropics and 5-10% in the temperate regions (van Emden et al 1988). Another pod borer, M. vitrata, causes loss to be US$ 30 million annually (Saxena et al 2002). In pigeon pea, yield losses due to pod borer 25-70%, pod fly 10-50%, Maruca 5-25%, and pod bug 10-30% have been reported (Sharma et al 2010).…”

Incidence, bionomics and management of spotted pod borer [<italic>Maruca vitrata</italic> (Geyer)] in major pulse crops in India-A review

“…Late sowing and dry spell leads to an outbreak of spotted pod borer which resulted in almost 100 % loss of pigeonpea flower buds and pods in Karnataka (Giraddi et al, 2000). The yield losses caused by M.vitrata have been estimated to be around 30 million dollars annually in India (Saxena et al, 2002) Nature of damage: Adults prefer to lay eggs on flower buds, flowers, terminal shoots and tender pods (Taylor, 1963). After hatching, the young larvae (1st, 2nd and 3rd instars) especially injure the terminal shoots and the flower buds whereas the older larvae (4th and 5th larval instars) particularly damage the open flowers and the pods.…”