VARIETAL RESPONSE OF SESAME TO THE SHOOT WEBBER AND CAPSULE BORER, ANTIGASTRA-CATALAUNALIS DUPONCHEL (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRAUSTIDAE)

The response of four varieties of sesame to the shoot webber and capsu le borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel was studied under field co nditions at Annamalai University, India during 1991. Infestation of th e borer on the branches, leaves and capsules and the larval population achieved a maximum on the variety TSS6 which recorded the lowest yiel d, while the variety TMV3 recorded highest yield and lower infestation . There was a significant difference among varieties with regard to in festation on branches and leaves but not on capsules. Larval populatio ns and damage levels were highest on profuse branching varieties.