Influence of morphological characters of chickpea varieties on damage by gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner)

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is the major constraint for the production of chickpea as it feeds on the pods causing direct economic damage to the farmers. A single H. armigera larva feeds 30-40 pods in its life time. It is polyphagous and multivoltine pest which is difficult to control. Farmers generally rely on the insecticides but this pest was reported to show resistance to most of the insecticides used against it. Host plant resistance for managing this pest is best as it is compatible with other pest management practices. The chickpea plant was observed to have certain morphological characters which reduce the preference of the pod borer.