1Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012 (India).
2Division of Vegetable Crops, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi--110 012 (India).
Sixty-four cultivars of cauliflower were screened under field conditions at Delhi in 1990 against the cauliflower head borer, Hellula undalis Fabricius. None of the varieties was immune and none was categorised as highly resistant variety. The varieties showing 11 to 20 per cent infestation were designated as resistant. These included ES-97, ES-96, Kartiki (J.B.), KW-5, KW-8, KW-10, Kuwari (R.B.), Kathmandu Local, Early Patna, EMS-30 and PSK-16. The variety, ES-97, was least infested and produced compact, medium sized, creamy white curds weighing from 500 to 600 g. Early Patna, PSK-16 and Kathmandu Local did not form good curds. Also, ES-97 and Early Patna were less attacked by fungal and bacterial diseases in the field. However, most of the agronomically good varieties were not only susceptible but also highly susceptible to the borer, II. undalis. These comprised Pusa Deepali, Indian Express, Early Kuwari, Early India, Jam una white, First Crop and Glossy.
