08 Ara 2024 Pazar
Larval feeding, post embryonic development and reproductive competence of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) on some host plants
Abstract :The larval survivability, post embryonic development and reproductive potential of Spodoptera litura on four different host plants, viz., spinach (Spinacea oleracea), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), black chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) was studied under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Among the four different host plants, the larvae reared on cabbage showed significantly maximum survivability (82%) and shortest developmental time (24.75 days) followed by spinach (77% and 29.25 days), black chickpea (71% and 36.25 days) and pigeon pea (61% and 42.75 days). However, in term of reproductive capability and weight gain, spinach was best host plant followed by cabbage, black chickpea and pigeonpea. On all host plants, significant relationships were observed between larval, pupal weight and subsequent egg production and egg hatching. On the basis of survivability, the larval food preference of S. litura can be arrange as cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) > spinach (Spinacia oleracea) > black chickpea (Cicer arietinum) > pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).
Spodoptera litura, Spinacia oleracia, Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata, Cicer arietinum, Cajanus cajan