Biology of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) and screening of various genotypes for resistance

Abstract

Present investigations were conducted in many areas of Himalayan region during 2018-19. The Shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee were found most destructive pest of brinjal. The biological of pest were studied under laboratory conditions and various parameters were determined. The number of eggs laid, egg length, breadth and fecundity were 195, 0.78mm, 0.50mm and 217, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition, incubation, larval and pupal periods were 1.15, 4.5, 3.95, 9.75 and 6.71 days, respectively. Longevity of adult females was higher than male with means values 5.56 and 3.61 days, respectively. Both sexes were different in their body lengths, breadths and wing span with mean sex ratio of 0.47.  Life cycle was completed in 31.3 days. The genotypes screened against L. orbonalis showed varied responses. Maximum of the genotypes screened were categorized as resistant. Higher damages were recorded on fruits compared to shoots. Two varieties Pusa Purple Cluster and 'Pusa Purple Long suffers high level of fruit damage and were categorized as highly susceptible and susceptible on fruit weight basis and number basis, respectively.