Reaction of Different Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes to Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)
Seventeen bitter gourd genotypes were evaluated under field conditions for resistance to Melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), during 2001 rainy and 2002 summer seasons. Melon fruit fly infestation was significantly lower (9.4%) in IC 256185 and IC 248256 (10.2%) compared to 82.1% infestation in the susceptible check, Pusa Do Mausmi. Genotypes IC 213311, IC 248282, IC 256110, IC 248254, IC 248281, IC 248292 and IC 68314-B also showed resistance to the melon fruit fly in both rainy and summer seasons. Genotypes with low furit fly infestation had low larval numbers in the fruits, and there was a positive correlation (r=0.96) between percentage fruit infestation and number of larvae/fruit. Wild relative resistant bitter gourd (M. charantia var. muricataj can be used in the resistance breeding programs to increase the levels, and diversify the basis of resistance to B. cucurbitae.