Exploring the potential of seed flour from pigeon pea genotypes to retard the growth and development of Helicoverpa armigera

Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most devastating known pest causing major economic losses. Development of insect resistance against chemical pesticides and the environment concerns are forcing researchers to pave way towards biopesticides. Our study aimed to test the efficacy of seed flour from ten pigeon pea genotypes against H. armigera development. H. armigera fed with diet containing pigeon pea seed powder exhibited larval and pupal weight reduction and certain abnormalities. Larval weight reduction varied from 19 % (AL 1495) to 37 % (AL 1677). Increase in larval duration was seen in genotypes containing higher trypsin inhibitor, phenols and phytic acid. AL 1677 was found to be the most resistant genotype with 37 % larval weight reduction followed by AL 1735. Larval-pupal intermediates were observed in diets containing AL 1495 and AL 1747 seed powder. The pupal weight reduction varied from 15.5 % to 44.5 %. Results from this study suggest the inhibitory potential of PIs and other bioactive compounds such as phenols and phytic acid from pigeon pea cultivars against H. armigera development, that can be further exploited in pest management