Screening of Different Groundnut, Aarachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae: Fabales) Cultivars Against Red Hairy Caterpillar, Amsacta albistriga W. (Arctiidae: Lepidoptera) Population in Relation to Leaf Infestation, Physico-morphic Characters, Abiotic Factors and Yield

WOS: 000365465700025
Field screening of six groundnut cultivars (BARD-92, BARD-699, BARD-479, BAIU-2000, Golden and Chakori) in randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted against red hairy caterpillar (RHC), Amsacta albistriga (Walker), population in relation to leaf infestation, physico-morphic characters (leaf area and plant height), abiotic factors (temperature, rainfall and humidity) and their ultimate impact on yield. Highest RHC population and leaf infestation was observed on BARD-699 and the lowest on BARD-479 throughout the season. Irrespective of plant height, leaf area seemed to effect insect infestation with minimum infestation on BARD-479 with maximum leaf area while minimum was observed on BARD-699 (maximum insect infestation). The plant height of BARD-699 was found to be maximum, whereas minimum plant height was observed on BARD-479. Maximum pod yield was recorded on Bard-479 and minimum of Bard-699. The order of cultivar resistance against RHC population during the whole crop duration was BARD-479 < BARI-2000 < Golden < BARI-92 < Chakori < BARD-699. RHC population showed significant and positive correlation with leaf infestation, and non-significant and negative correlation with leaf area. Non-significant and positive correlation was found among RHC population and plant height, and significant but negative relationship was noted between mean temperature and RHC population. Although effect of rainfall was significant and positive on RHC population, there was significant and positive correlation between relative humidity and population of RHC. A significant and negative correlation between RHC population and yield was recorded. Based on the results, high yielding cultivar Bard-479 was found resistant and low yielding Bard-699 was found susceptible against RHC.