The relationship between abundance of the lepidopteran borers Helicoverpa armigera Hubner and Maruca vitrata (Geyer) and damage and yield loss in short-duration pigeonpeas was studied in two multilocation trials in 1995–1996 and 1996–1997 rainy seasons at four locations in India: Patancheru (Andhra Pradesh), Akola (Maharashtra), Sardarkrishi Nagar (Gujarat) and Vamban (Tamil Nadu). Larval populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Maruca vitrata (Geyer) were correlated with pod damage and grain yields. Significant correlation of location, years and genotype on insect population, level of damage and grain yield was obtained. The effect of plant type on lepidopteran pod damage was also observed. The relationships between pod damage, yield and larval population of Helicoverpa and Maruca are discussed.
