BIONOMICS, HOST-PLANT RESISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LEGUME POD BORER, MARUCA-VITRATA - A REVIEW

Legume pod borer, Maruca (testulalis) vitrata (Geyer) is one of the ma jor constraints in increasing the production and productivity of grain legumes in the tropics. Screening for resistance has been carried out using natural infestation, and multi- and no-choice tests under green house/laboratory conditions. Information is available on genotypic res istance to M. vitrata in cowpea, while such information on pigeonpea a nd other legumes is limited. Stem and pod wall thickness, trichomes an d podding habit are associated with resistance to Maruca. Several natu ral enemies have been recorded on M. vitrata. Cultural practices such as intercropping, weeding, time of planting, and planting density redu ce its damage in cowpea. Several insecticides have been found to be ef fective for controlling this insect. There is a need to generate infor mation on insect-plant-environment interactions, screening techniques, mechanisms and diversity of resistance, genetic transformation of hos t plants involving Bt genes, and use of natural enemies for integrated pest management in diverse agro-ecosystems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.