Host plant resistance to insect pests of grain legumes -A review

Grain legumes are important source of dietary protein in tropical region and insect pests cause considerable damage to these crops. Development of resistant varieties in legume crops is an important component in integrated pest management strategies. Though insecticides are effective against sucking pests and pod borer complex, development of insecticide resistance, residues in short duration crop produces and environment hazards demand alternative eco safe method of management. The chapter reviews the development and studies on host plant resistance in major grain legumes against pod borer complex Maruca vitrata, Helicoverpa armigera, etc. and major sucking pests. The mechanisms of resistance, factors responsible for the resistance are discussed in this paper.