Host Selection Behavior of Helicoverpa armigera Summary Proceedings of the First Consultative Group Meeting 5-7 Mar 1990

Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of several food and cash crops in the Old Wor ld semi-arid tropics. In this publication, scientists review research on the host selection behavior of H. armigera and on the mechanisms of host-plant resistance to this pest in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Five technical papers cover host selection by lepidopteran insects, behavioral and electrophysiological studies of H. armigera, the identification of host-plant resistance in pigeonpea and chickpea, and the chemical basis of pest resistance in these pulse crops. Recommendations are made for further action to control H. armigera through a better understanding of its host selection behavior and the factors that interfere wi th this behavior