VARIETAL RESISTANCE IN CABBAGE AGAINST THE CABBAGE APHID, BREVICORYNE-BRASSICAE L (HOMOPTERA, APHIDIDAE) IN KULU VALLEY, INDIA

Different cultivars and crosses of cabbage were screened under field conditions for their relative resistance against the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, in Kulu Valley, India. Nineteen cultivars and one cross in 1982, 50 cultivars and four crosses in 1983 and 41 cultivars and 23 crosses in 1984 were tested. None of the cultivars or crosses was found immune or highly resistant against the aphid. However, 'All Season', 'Red Drum Head' and 'K. K. Cross' were graded moderately resistant during all the 3 years. 'Round Sure Head', 'EC 99825' and 'Express Mail' were also moderately resistant, but not in each year. Most of the agronomically promising cultivars like 'Golden Acre', 'Pusa Drum Head', 'September', 'Selection-8', 'Pride of India', etc. were heavily infested each year and graded highly susceptible. Many crosses were made, but none could give resistance combined with a good quality.