Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

S. litura, the larval form of a destructive pest, poses a significant threat to soybean crops, primarily by defoliating the leaves. To protect the crops and implement effective pest management strategies, it is crucial to understand the preference and antixenosis responses of the larvae towards different soybean germplasms. In this study, an antixenosis experiment was conducted to evaluate the preference index (C value) of eight soybean germplasms against third-instar S.litura larvae. The results revealed that the larvae exhibited a preference for two specific germplasms, JS-335 and JS21-72, with preference values (C values) ranging from 1.0 to 1.02. On the other hand, five other germplasms, DS-3108, Himso-1689, NRC-149, NRC-152, and VL-99, showed a slight antixenosis response with C values ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. DS-9421 exhibited a moderate antixenosis response with a C value of 0.75. The findings of this study align with previous research on antixenosis mechanisms of resistance in soybean germplasms. The feeding behaviour of S.litura, characterized by irregular holes and leaf scratching, was also observed. These results provide valuable insights for crop protection and resistance breeding programs. Overall, understanding the preference and antixenosis responses of S. litura larvae towards different soybean germplasms is crucial for developing effective pest management strategies and selecting resistant varieties. Further studies could explore additional factors influencing the feeding behaviour and resistance mechanisms, contributing to the sustainable protection of soybean crops against S. litura infestations.