author(s)
Chandrayudu Eslavath, Sivaramakrishna and Sivasankar Naik Karamthot

abstract
Insect Pest management by adopting host plant resistance is one of the most economic and environment friendly methods in crop production. Hence, a study was undertaken to identify differential reactions and reasons behind them in certain promising groundnut genotypes with reference to most devastating leaf feeders of groundnut under field conditions. Thirty nine promising groundnut genotypes (K 1274 to K 1622, TCGS 750, DRT 24, DRT 40, DRT 43, TIR 9, ICGV 888, ICGV00350, ICGV009114, TAG 24 and JL 24) were field screened under rain-fed situation during 2013-15 crop seasons in order to identify source of resistance or tolerance to Aproaerema modicella (Deve.) and Spodoptera litura (Fab.). The field level study indicated the interaction between leaf feeders (A. modicella and S.litura) and 39 groundnut genotypes, since there was perceptible incidence of pests in all the test seasons. Twelve genotypes that reacted to pests could be categorised as resistant, while 18 genotypes were grouped under moderately resistant to A.modicella and S.litura. Leaf thickness, density of leaf laminar hairs and phenol levels showed negative relationship with larval number and foliage damage due to A.modicella and S.litura. Total sugars showed positive relationship in terms of larval numbers and foliage damage due to the insects. Linear regression indicated the role of leaf thickness and laminar hairs besides the amount of phenolic compounds for resistance to A.modicella and S.litura on groundnut.