author(s)
HP Patel, R Gurjar, KV Patel and NK Patel

abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of the year 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Pulse Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Model Farm, Vadodara, Gujarat in sandy loam soil to evaluate the effect of five period of sowing i.e., D₁-15^th June, 24^th SMW (11-17 June), D₂- 1^st July- 26^th SMW (25 June -1 July), D₃-15^th July, 28^th SMW (9-15 July), D₄- 30^th July, 31^st SMW (30 July - 5 August) and D₅- 14^th August, 33^rd SMW (13-19 August) and three varieties (BDN-2, AGT-2 and Vaishali) on the incidence of insect pest complex in Pigeon pea. The result revealed that sowing periods have the influence on the larval population, pod damage, grain weight loss and grain yield. Early sown crop suffers higher due to Helicoverpa armigera Hubner whereas pod fly, Melanagromyza obtusa Malloch damage found comparatively lower which ultimately resulted in highest grain yield. Second date of sowing (1st July, 26th SMW) found more suitable in minimizing insect pests population and thereby increase in grain yield. Among the varieties, AGT-2 remained superior than Vaishali and BDN- 2 in respect of lower larval population of H. armigera, pod damage and grain weight loss which resulted in higher grain yield.