Comparison of screening methods for evaluating leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens) resistance in castor: Comparison of screening methods for evaluating leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens) resistance in castor

Leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens) is the most important sucking pest of castor during both kharif and rabi seasons causing severe hopper burn resulting in poor formation of capsules. Breeding for leafhopper resistance is a practical means of controlling this pest in castor. An accurate and simple evaluation method is crucial for identifying leafhopper resistance in castor breeding. In the present study, two screening methods were evaluated for their effectiveness in discriminating different characteristics of resistance/susceptibility in castor genotypes. The results revealed that screening method, adjusting sowing time during second fortnight of October and planting of infester rows (one infester row after 2 rows of test entries) can be used as reliable and cost effective method for mass screening of castor genotypes for resistance to leafhopper.