Comparative proteomics analysis of chickpea and its wild relatives against Helicoverpa armigera infestation

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume crop, but its yield is greatly affected by the pod borer Helicoverpa armigera. Breeding for durable resistance has been limited by insufficient understanding of host–pest interactions. We conducted the first integrated proteomic analysis of chickpea and its pest, comparing resistant (ICCV506EB), susceptible (ICC3137), and wild relative (IG73016, C. cuneatum) genotypes. Resistant plants triggered rapid defense responses involving jasmonic acid signaling, transcriptional changes, and fatty acid–derived metabolites. In contrast, H. armigera activated detoxification and digestive modulation to counter defenses. Notably, larvae feeding on resistant wild relatives were impaired by linoleic acid derivatives acting as pro-toxins that disrupted growth and immunity. Our study uncovers the molecular basis of chickpea resistance and highlights wild relatives as a reservoir of defense traits. Enhancing early JA-pathway activation through breeding or biotechnology could help develop insect-resistant chickpea varieties, boosting productivity and sustainability.