Scope and limitations of host plant resistance in pulses for the control of Helicoverpa ( = Heliothis)S SLateefauthorTwo important pulse crops, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan Millsp.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) suffer major losses from pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera ~ib.) attack at most places and in most years in India. According to Reed (1983). in India alone H. armigera causes yield losses to a value of US $ 300 million in chickpea and pigeonpea each year. But these are generally grown without pesticide protection because of the high cost of sprayers and of insecticides, and difficulties in obtaining them, and problems in obtaining and conveying water to the field. Lack of .skill in their effective use is another important reason why most farmers do not use insecticides. Other factors such as toxicity, environmental pollution, the extermination of natural enemies and eventually, build-up of insecticide resistance in the pests make chemical control a risky and unsatisfactory pest management strategy. In the future, host plant resistance should be utilized where ever possible as an important component of Integrated Pest Management.Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics1990Conference or Workshop Item