Evaluation of Soybean Varieties for Pod Borers Resistance Under Field Conditions

A screening experiment was conducted to evaluate the resistance of nine soybean varieties against pod borers Cydia ptychora (Meyrick) and Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke) under field conditions. Larval population and the damage caused by the two pod borers were assessed at 60, 75 and 90 days after sowing. Significant variations were observed in the susceptibility of the nine soybean genotypes. Hardee genotype exhibited the least larval population and less pod damage (19.69 %), categorizing it as highly resistant. DSb 23, KHS23, MAVS2, and DSb21 were categorized into moderately resistant, while karuna, KHSB2 and JS 335 were intermediate. KB79 showed the maximum larval population and pod damage (61.10%) making it the susceptible genotype. Biochemical analysis revealed a negative correlation between the phenol content and pod damage, where total sugars and proteins showed a positive correlation. The finding highlights the role of biochemical defense mechanisms in soybean resistance.