RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT LENTIL CULTIVARS AGAINST APHIDS AT DISTRICT PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

The cowpea aphid (Aphis caraccivora) is a major pest of lentil crop in Pakistan and caused significant losses each year. The study was conducted under field condition at Newly zdevelopmental Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during 2022-23. Total three cultivars were selected for the trial namely, cultivar Sanli-bey, Atacan and Masoor-93 arranged in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) having three replications. The aphid population was consistently observed from two leaf stage till crop maturity/aphid disappeared. The aphids first invaded the tested plants during second week of February 2023. The black pea aphid (Aphis caraccivora) was first attracted by cultivar Atcan followed by Sanli-bey and Masoor-93. The local variety Masoor-93 showed strong response against aphid followed by cultivar Sanli-bey and Atacn. The cultivar Masoor-93 was found best with lowest aphids infestation (7.52) followed by Sanli-bey (10.61) which was found no-significant to Atcan (11.22). The population density was gradually decreased due to multiple factors and disappeared at end of March 2023. It is concluded that Masoor-93 is suitable for cultivation in Peshawar region due to high potential of well growth and has high resistance against aphid infestation.