SCREENING OF TOMATO VARIETIES! HYBRIDS AGAINST FRUIT BORER, HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (HUBNER)

Seven tomato varieties! hybrids viz. Pusa Ruby, Dey, S.King, Raja, Kesri, G.Kuber and Pusa early dwarf were screened against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) during 2004-06. Results revealed that none of these varieties! hybrids escaped from fruit borer attack. However, there were significant differences amongst the varieties in larval populations and percent fruit damage. Pusa Ruby and Pusa early dwarf were the less susceptible hybrids whereas Dey and G.Kuber were the most susceptible to fruit borer. The rest of varieties were moderately susceptible to H. armigera. Key words: Hybrid varieties, Tomato damage, Helicoverpa armigera.