Estimation of economic injury level of chickpea pod borer, Heliothis viriplaca (Lep.: Noctuidae) in Maragheh, Northwestern Iran

Investigation on economic injury level (EIL) of chickpea pod borer Heliothis viriplaca has been carried out during two consecutive years (2001-2002) in Maragheh region, Northwestern Iran. This study was conducted at open field condition (out of cages). Two varieties including Jam and Beevanij were cultured in separately plots (100m×10m). Experiments were conducted on 25 chickpea rows at the middle part of each plot. Ten rows of chickpea at the end of each plot have been considered as control. After oviposition of females in natural condition experimental rows were separated to preventation of larvae transfers. Number of larvae per rows with 4 metre length was counted and amount of crop losses caused by one larva was estimated 0.01463 and 0.00403 Kg. for Jam and 0.1283 and 0.00267 Kg. for Beevanij in high precipitation and normal precipitation years respectively.EIL rates were estimated 0.35 for Jam and 0.4 for Beevanij varieties in high rainfall condition; 1.25 for Jam and 1.9 for Beevanij in normal rainfall years.