Journal of Environmental Biology

Assessment of sapota varieties and hybrids for tolerance and susceptibility to chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella (Ragonot)

K.D. Bisane*, P.K. Modi, A.P. Patel and V.K. Patel    

ICAR-AICRP (Fruits), Fruit Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Gandevi–396 360, India

Received: 25 December 2024                   Revised: 09 May 2025                   Accepted: 12 November 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : kdbisane@yahoo.co.in                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7359-0256

Abstract

Aim: To assess the tolerance and susceptibility to chiku moth against major varieties and hybrids as compared to commercial cultivar Kalipatti in sapota.

Methodology: Efficacy of 23 sapota varieties and hybrids against chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella (Ragonot) was evaluated at FRS, NAU, Gandevi, during five-year period (2018-19 to 2022-23). Bud damage intensity was deliberated to decide the tolerance and susceptibility level with bud morphology and eight biochemical contents.

Results: According to screening results, chiku moth caused more damage to Kalipatti, Paria collection, Kirthibharti, CO-2, Cricket ball, CO-1 and DHS-2 to the extent of 15.62, 15.20, 14.38, 14.28, 13.51,12.99 and 11.93%, whereas Chala collection-3, Chala collection-2, Chala collection-1, Mohangootee and PKM-1, had less damage up to 7.05, 7.34, 7.66, 8.11 and 8.46%, respectively. The varieties/hybrids with higher bud diameter (6.22-6.47 mm) were more susceptible than smaller (5.30-5.78 mm). Nevertheless, non-significant associated was revealed between eight bio-chemical contents and bud damage.

Interpretation: May and December were the most critical months for pest incidence in many susceptible varieties/hybrids. Due to late flowering initiation, escape type resistance was seen in less damaged varieties/hybrids and bigger bud diameter was more vulnerable to chiku moth.

Key words: Chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella, Sapota, Varieties

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