Induction of resistance in tomato against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) using biofertilizers

Abstract

Based on preliminary and confirmatory field screening of 321 tomato accessions for resistance against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), a promising accession Varushanadu Local was selected for studying induction of resistance using biofertilizers viz., Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, Pseudomonas and K-solubilizer. In comparison, a susceptible check, I979 was also evaluated. The feeding preference of H. armigera larva was the least towards Varushanadu Local than I979 irrespective of the biofertilizer. Among the biofertilizers K-solubilizer treated plants were the least preferred than others. A trend was observed in both the free choice and confinement tests.