Host resistance in bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) to the infestation by the fruit fly Dacus cucurbitae Coq.

Abstract

In studies on the host plant resistance in Mamordica charantia L. to infestation by the fruit fly Dacus cucurbitae Coq. (Tephritidae: Diptera) a field trial for screening sixty six accessions of bittergourd was laid out in the summer season of 1984-85 in the Horticulture College Farm, Vellanikkara. The mean percentage of fruit infestation in the accessions ranged from 10.866 to 74.266. Based on the levels of fruit infestation , the accessions were classified as highly susceptible (more than 30 percent ) moderately susceptible (between 20 to 30 per cent) and moderately resistant (between 10 and 20 per cent)