Indian Journal of Agricultural Research

Between 2021-2023, the harmfulness of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) on different varieties of pepper was studied in the pepper fields of Khoronk community.

Studies on the harmfulness of H. armigera (Hübner) and S. exigua (Hübner) were carried out in 2021-2023 in the pepper fields of Khoronk community of Armavir marz. Experiments were carried out on the main 7 varieties cultivated in the community, to the methodology adopted in entomology.

As a result of studies, it was revealed that both pests damage plants in the larval stage. They feed on the vegetative and generative organs of the plant. Young larvae of S. exigua (Hübner) feed on newly opened leaves, enter into the leaves, cover them with a web and feed inside it. They then come out and spread over the plant and feed on leaves of different heights, as a result of which scratches of irregular shape and size occur on the leaves. Most mature larvae enter the fruit, feed on the seeds, because of which the fruit rot. Larvae of H. armigera (Hübner) initially feed on flowers and flower buds, and after some time they move on to leaves. Larvae feed on the upper and epidermis of the leaf, leaving the lower unharmed. As a result of the damage, the dries up, falls off, and the leaves look porous. Mature larvae mostly damage the fruit. Larvae enter the fruit from anywhere in the fruit, opening deep holes. They feed on seeds in the fruit. Damaged fruits begin to ripen prematurely, various harmful pathogens penetrate from the damaged areas, as a result of which the fruits rot. According to the results of studies carried out on 7 different varieties of pepper during the period of intensive development of H. armigera (Hübner) and S. exigua (Hübner), the most significant damage by pests was recorded in Hayk variety, and the least in Arevaham variety.