Vol. 9, Special Issue 1, Part D (2025)

Twenty-four genotypes along with three checks were screened for resistance against Helicoverpa armigera under field conditions during rabi season at hotspot location, Pantnagar for two years (2022-23 and 2023-24). In preliminary screening, the vegetative stage egg populations ranged from 0.24/plant (GNG 2557) to 1.56/plant (Phule G 181609), while larval populations ranged from 0.56/plant (NBeG 506) to 4.27/plant (GL 13001). At flowering stage, egg populations varied from 0.33 to 1.80 eggs/plant, and larval populations ranged from 2.07 to 9.33 larvae/plant. At pod maturity stage, egg populations decreased, while larval populations peaked. Pod damage was lowest in NBeG 506 (36.57%) and highest in RVSSG-107 (95.61%). Grain yields ranged from 372.45 kg/ha (RVSSG-107) to 1710.99 kg/ha (IG 21-03). Based on preliminary screening results twelve potential genotypes were categorised in 2023-24. Egg and larval populations during various growth stages showed significant variations. Pod damage ranged from 44.72% (NBeG 506) to 93.74% (CSJ 138). Grain yields varied from 515.16 kg/ha (CSJ 138) to 1066.67 kg/ha (NBeG 506). Principal component analysis (PCA) found key genotypes with high yield and low pod damage. This study showed that the promising genotypes with potential resistance to H. armigera, supports breeding programs to develop high-yielding, insect-resistant cultivars for sustainable agriculture.