Journal of Environmental Biology

Occurrence of ear head caterpillar species complex on Kenyan finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) genotypes

N.M. Chikkarugi¹, L. Vijaykumar²*, H.M. Yeshwanth³, H.R. Raveendra¹ and B. Shivanna³      

¹Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya-571 405, India

²College of Agriculture, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya-571 405, India

³College of Agriculture, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bangalore-560 065, India

*Corresponding Author Email : vkumaruasb@gmail.com                   *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4355-1510

Received: 02.09.2021                                                                                          Revised: 26.11.2021                                                               Accepted: 25.07.2022

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed at reporting the occurrence of various ear head caterpillar species on different ear head shape and stage of the panicle in Kenyan finger millet genotypes.

Methodology: A set of 40 Kenyan finger millet genotypes were selected to investigate the occurrence and abundance of ear head caterpillars species complex on different growth stages of ear head.

Results: Among the fifteen ear head caterpillars species recorded on forty Kenyan genotypes, Cryptoblabes angustipennella (Hampson) (3.96 larvae/ear head) caused high level of incidence, followed by Somena scintillans (Walker) which recorded 2.08 larvae/ear head and the population of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) & Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was 0.61 and 0.56 larvae/ear head, respectively. Further, genotypes with open ear head shape were free from infestation by ear head caterpillars, which were categorized as highly resistance. The semi-compact (1.82 - 2.07 larvae/ear head) ear heads were categorized under moderately resistance scale. Similarly, compact (2.70 - 2.90 larvae/ear head) shape ear heads fell under susceptible category. Whereas, Fist shape (3.74 to 4.68 larvae/ear head) ear heads were recorded under highly susceptible category.

Interpretation: The data on occurrence, species complex and severity can be used for formulating integrated pest management strategies on finger millet.

Key words: Cryptoblabes angustipennella, Ear head caterpillars, Finger millet, Kenyan genotypes, Somena scintillans, Species complex

Copyright © 2023 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).