Evaluation of Brassica juncea Accessions Against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi under Field Conditions

摘要

Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (Linn.) Czern and Coss is an important oilseed crop of India. Among the various insect pests that attack the crop at various growth stages, mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Aphididae Hemiptera) is one of the mostserious pests of mustard and is considered to be the limiting factor in the successful cultivation of mustard causing 35 to 73 % reduction in yield (Gupta et al, 2003). Realizing the adverse effects of pesticides on environment and the fear of high toxicresidues of insecticides leading to unsafe for human consumption, emphasis has been placed on eco-friendly approaches such as use of resistant varieties for the management of this pest. Identification of resistant germplasm is critical for the development of resistant varieties that will not only reduce crop losses but also minimise use of chemical pesticides. Hence, it is important to find out the sources of aphid tolerance in Brassica juncea which can be utilized in the breeding programme for development of resistant tolerant cultivars.