Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C (2024)

The productivity of Vigna mungo (urdbean) is significantly threatened by the pod borer complex, comprising Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata, causing substantial yield losses globally. Traditional chemical control measures have shown limited sustainability due to environmental hazards, pest resistance, and pesticide residue concerns. This study adopts an integrated approach combining morphological, biochemical, chemical, and molecular analyses to screen urdbean germplasm for pod borer resistance. Morphological traits, including trichome density, pod wall thickness, pod compactness, and seed coat hardness, were identified as key physical barriers contributing to resistance. Biochemical markers such as chitinase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) demonstrated significant roles in disrupting pest physiology and reinforcing plant defense structures. Chemical profiling using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed elevated concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins in resistant genotypes, correlating strongly with reduced pest damage scores. Molecular marker analysis validated the presence of resistance-associated genes, including those coding for PR proteins, chitinase, and protease inhibitors, and highlighted the involvement of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways in activating these resistance mechanisms. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating morphological traits, biochemical defenses, secondary metabolite profiling, and molecular marker validation for identifying pest-resistant genotypes. This multidisciplinary approach provides a foundation for Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in breeding programs, contributing to the development of durable pest-resistant urdbean varieties and promoting sustainable pest management practices.