Components and Mechanisms of Resistance in Selected Field Pea Lines to Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Studies were conducted to assess the mechanisms of resistance in seven resistant field pea, Pisum sativum lines to Acyrthosiphon pisum, a serious pest of field pea in Ethiopia. The total number of nymphs produced per female was significantly lower (P < 0.05) on Holetta Local-90 (74.9), 061K-2 P-14/7/1 (76.9) and 305PS210687 (77.4) than on 304WA1101937 (95.4). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the number of nymphs produced per female per day, number of days in nymphipositional period and longevity on all lines. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) on all lines was also not significant (P > 0.05). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in preference of the aphid among the lines tested. Holetta Local-90 and 061K-2P-2/9/2 were less preferred than the others. The plant height and dry mass of 061K-2P-2/9/2 and 061 K-2 P-14/7/1 were significantly (P < 0.05) less affected
than the other lines—showing that these lines are tolerant to A. pisum. Based on their response to A. pisum infestation, Holetta Local-90 and 305PS210687 lines performed better than the rest of the lines tested.