Evaluation of Resistance in Sesame Germplasm Against Shoot Webber and Capsule Borer, Antigastra catalaunalis

One hundred and forty sesame accessions were evaluated under glasshouse and field conditions for resistance against shoot webber and capsule borer Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Pyraustidae:Lepidoptera) at the Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during 2005. Under glasshouse conditions based on foliage damage to the seedlings, none of the accessions was rated highly resistant (HR) but 14 accessions were categorized as resistant (R), while 110 accessions were susceptible (S) and 16 accessions were highly susceptible (HS). In the field evaluation, leaf, flower and capsule damage caused by A. catalaunalis was recorded and the accessions were rated for resistance in comparison with a susceptible check. The reaction of the accessions differed during different seasons. Many accessions were rated highly resistant (HR), resistant (R) and moderately resistant (MR) during the first field evaluation but their resistance potential was found reduced in the second field evaluation.