HOST PLANT RESISTANCE AGAINST SAFFLOWER APHID

The investigation entitled “Studies on host plant resistance against safflower aphid (Uroleucon compositae Theobald) was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, VNMKV, Parbhani, during rabi 2021-22.Seasonal incidence study revealed that, first incidence of Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) was observed during the 51st MW (5 aphids/5cm apical twig/plant).The aphid population increased gradually and reached peak reading of 234 aphids/5cm apical twig/ plant during 5th standard meteorological week.In screening studies, 15 safflower genotypes were screened against the safflower aphid under field conditions. Based on foliage drying grade, aphid population, plant morphological characters and yield contributing characters it is observed that the safflower genotype entries having more spines, green, thin and waxy leaves, thin capitula, small sized seeds sheltered less aphid population than genotype entries of non-spiny, erect plant type, leathery leaves with succulent stems. Considering the all plant morphological characters more spiny genotypes viz., SSF-682, SSF-695, SSF-714, SSF-704, SSF-734 were observed resistance against safflower aphid compared to national check A-1.