Host preference of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner assessed through antixenosis tests in selected tomato varieties

Riaz-ul Haq, Ahmad-Ur-Rahman Saljoqi

Abstract


The oviposition preference of Helicoverpa armigera on six tomato varieties (Red King, Rio Grande, Florida King, Roma, Sahel, and 1359) was evaluated through free-choice and no-choice tests at Tarnab Farm, Peshawar, Pakistan, to identify extremes for potential IPM integration. In free-choice tests, Rio Grande received significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs (mean 324.5; ROP 24.8) than all other varieties, followed by Roma (309.6; ROP 23.7) and Florida King (265.4; ROP 20.3). Red King (194.3; ROP 14.8) and 1359 (201.7; ROP 15.4) were less preferred, while Sahel (150.9; ROP 11.5) was least preferred. No-choice tests confirmed Rio Grande as most preferred (325.4; ROP 24.9) and Sahel as least preferred (160.3; ROP 12.1), with Roma consistently ranked second (310.1; ROP 23.8). Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) analysis under whole-plant conditions revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences among varieties in number of probes, total probing duration, and pathway phase parameters. Rio Grande recorded the highest values, followed by Florida King and Roma; Red King and Sahel exhibited the lowest, indicating reduced feeding activity. Under detached-leaf conditions, no significant differences were observed, suggesting uniform feeding behaviour in the absence of whole-plant cues. On the whole, oviposition and feeding behaviour of H. armigera were strongly influenced by varietal characteristics. Sahel, Red King, and 1359 were identified as less susceptible, making them promising for pest-resistant cropping systems. Incorporating such varieties into IPM programs can reduce H. armigera impact and reliance on chemical control.


Keywords


Helicoverpa armigera, tomato fruit borer, antixenosis, host preference, tomato varieties

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.009.03.5768

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