Assessment of Morphological and Physiological Traits Associated with Mustard Aphid Resistance in Brassica Genotypes
Paritosh Tripathi *
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
Ram Subhag Singh
Department of Entomology, Brahmanand Post Graduate College (B.N.P.G.), Rath Hamirpur, 210431 (U.P), India.
D. K. Singh
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
C. L. Maurya
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
Sanjeev Kumar
Department of Vegetable Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
Mahak Singh
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India and Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
Ram Ajeet Chaudhary
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India and Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
Yenda Damodhara Rao
Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, 208002 (U.P.), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the morphological and physiological traits associated with resistance to mustard aphid in seven Brassica genotypes. Mustard, a vital crop in India's agricultural sector, faces significant challenges from the mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt), a pest that causes substantial yield losses. The mustard aphids suck cell saps from the plants, which stunts plant growth and lowers the quality and quantity of pods. The experiment, conducted during the rabi season of 2023-24, involved 50 Brassica genotypes, with an emphasis on identifying resistance mechanisms in selected genotypes based on aphid infestation patterns. Among the genotypes tested, KRANTI (Brassica juncea) exhibited the lowest aphid population and demonstrated superior traits such as hairy leaves, green leaf colour, scattered inflorescences and semi-spreading pod settings. These characteristics, combined with favourable growth traits such as higher plant height, increased number of branches, and superior seed yield, contributed to its enhanced tolerance. In contrast, genotypes such as BSH-1 (susceptible check) displayed higher aphid infestations, indicating their susceptibility. Overall, the findings suggest that morphological features like leaf hairiness and robust growth characteristics are critical in imparting resistance to mustard aphids. These traits, particularly in KRANTI, offer valuable insights for developing aphid-resistant mustard cultivars through selective breeding.
Keywords: Aphid, genotypes, brassica, kranti, resistance, tolerance