Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HOST PREFERENCE AND BIOLOGY OF SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA(J.E. SMITH) ON DIFFERENT HOST PLANTS UNDER LABORATORYCONDITIONS

R.V. Bavisa, D.M. Jethva, I.R. Delvadiya and A.V. Ginoya

Abstract

Effects of different host plants (castor, maize, bajara, mung bean, groundnut and cotton) on developmentalperiod, pupal weight, sex ratio, longevity and oviposition of S. frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), werestudied under laboratory conditions. All of the biological parameters included in the study were affectedby the host plants. S. Frugiperda larvae developed differently on the different host plants, from shortest tolongest in the following order: maize, castor, groundnut, mungbean, bajara and cotton. Pupal developmentwas shorter on maize and castor than on the other host plants, and males generally developed longer thanthe females. A pupal weight of females was recorded highest on maize and castor. Female pupae weregenerally heavier than their male counterpart. More females than males were found among emerged adults.In a choice test, S. Frugiperda females oviposited most on maize and castor, least on cotton, and intermediateon groundnut, mungbean and bajara. It can be inferred from the above parameters that maize and castorare suitable hosts for S. frugiperda and it may also be used as a trap crop to prevent the attack of economicallyimportant crops.