Abstract:
Pigeonpea is an important pulse crop that has gained importance in semi-arid tropics, although its
yield potential has not been fully realized due to biotic and abiotic stresses that limit its production.
Insect pest complex of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), sucking bug (Clavigralla tomentosicollis)
and pod fly (Melanagromyza cholcosoma) are the major limiting factors to its production causing up
to 100% yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate resistant genotypes to insect pest
complex in dry parts of North Rift Valley Kenya. The study was carried out in three sites (Kenya
Agricultural Livestock Research Organization- Marigat, Agricultural Training Centre-Koibatek and
Fluorspar-Chepsirei) for one season during long rain of April-November 2014 growing season.
Sixteen ICRISAT elite genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with 75cm inter and 25 cm intra spacing. Significant (P≤0.05) differences in grain yield
performance, incidence and severity of the insect pests were revealed in all sites. The damage was
more severe in Marigat (Pod borer-37.2%, Sucking bug-39.3% and pod fly-5.9%) than ATCKoibatek (Pod borer-1.9%, Sucking bug-8.4% and pod fly-5.9%) and Fluorspar (Pod borer-3.6%,
Sucking bug-6.8% and pod fly-2.9%). Genotypes ICEAPs 00850R
, 00902, 01541 and 1154-2
showed potential levels of resistance to the insect pest complex and high yields. Grain yield
associated negatively (P≤0.05) with pod borer and sucking bug damage correlated non-significantly
with pod fly damage. The potential genotypes identified in this study need to be further evaluated in
two seasons and in other multi-locations to validate these findings to be used in breeding
