An Overview of the Biological Aspects, Nature of Damage and Strategies for Managing the Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in Chickpea: A review

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, a globally widespread and cosmopolitan insect pest, poses a significant threat to chickpea productivity worldwide. The effective management of this pest is paramount for ensuring sustainable chickpea yields. The life cycle of H. armigera spans approximately 4-5 weeks, progressing through egg, larvae, pupae and adult stages. During the initial 1st to 3rd instar larval phases, the insect primarily engages in feeding on leaves, twigs, and flowers. As the larvae advance to the 4th to 6th instar stages, they shift their focus to developing pods, creating holes or bores and consuming entire seeds. Yield losses of up to 90 percent may occur, contingent upon insect density and cultivar susceptibility. A comprehensive approach to sustainable chickpea pod borer management encompasses the utilization of resistant cultivars, strategic manipulation of sowing dates, maintaining optimal crop density, nutritional management, deployment of trap crops (such as maize, sunflower, sorghum, safflower, pigeon pea, okra and tomato), installation of animated bird perches and the application of biological control measures involving plant extracts, virus/bacteria-based insecticides and entomopathogenic nematodes. In instances of pod borer outbreaks, chemical insecticides are considered a last resort for farmers. However, the adoption of resistant cultivars, adherence to recommended cultural practices and the integration of biological control methods have proven to be more efficacious, economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly in the management of chickpea pod borer.