Biochemical screening of chickpea genotypes against gram pod borer

A field experiment was conducted to screen 14 chickpea genotypes against gram pod borer by biochemical parameters during Rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19. It revealed that the minimum and maximum mean larval population of Helicoverpa armigera were 0.58 and 2.32 in GJG 3 and ICCV 13111 variety/genotype, respectively. Percent pod damage was also significantly lower (11.21%) in GJG 3 and higher (30.76%) in ICCV 13111. It was also depicted in significantly higher (1588 kg/ha) grain yield in the former and lower (845 kg/ha) in the latter. None of the varieties/genotypes were found highly resistant to H. armigera. However, varieties/ genotypes viz., GJG 3, Dahod yellow, GG 1, RJG 0904 and JG 16 were resistant, whereas GAG 1107, GJG 0919, RSG 888 and ICCV 13111 were categorized under susceptible group. The content of different biochemical in chickpea plants viz., phenol, flavanoid and tannin had negative correlation with larval population of H. armigera, while other biochemical parameters viz., total soluble sugar and protein in chickpea were positively correlated with the latter.