Varietal response of sesame to the shoot webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae)

The response of four varieties of sesame to the shoot webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel was studied under field conditions at Annamalai University, India during 1991. Infestation of the borer on the branches, leaves and capsules and the larval population achieved a maximum on the variety TSS6 which recorded the lowest yield, while the variety TMV3 recorded highest yield and lower infestation. There was a significant difference among varieties with regard to infestation on branches and leaves but not on capsules. Larval populations and damage levels were highest on profuse branching varieties.