Vol. 11, Special Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Ashok Kumar Sau, Rajesh and Mukesh K Dhillon

Abstract:
The loss of productivity due to insect pest infestations in agricultural crop production is a major concern. Farmers use the chemical method for quick relief from insect infestation, but it has several drawbacks, such as insecticide resistance development, resurgence of insect pests, pesticide residue issues, adverse effects on non-target organisms, and environmental pollution. Cereals and millets are vulnerable to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. The polyphagous pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) which is gaining national importance, is limiting cereal and millet cultivation. Because its larvae and pupae are hidden within the stem, no management approaches have been proven to be helpful in controlling the threat. Host plant resistance (HPR) to insect pests is an environmentally acceptable and cost-effective form of pest control that is compatible with all insect pest control strategies. Recognizing the mechanism and basis of plant resistance, understanding pest biology and nature of damage, and finding the source of resistance is the prerequisite for generating insect-resistant varieties. Since the S. inferens is a major pest of maize this review paper is mainly deals with the elements of host plant resistance against S. inferens in maize.