*Email: rschandi@pau.edu (corresponding author)
The present study was carried out to study the biology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in main and spring season tomato crop during 2018 and 2019 at the Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Pooled data revealed that the egg, larval and pupal periods of H. armigera in the main season crop amounted to 4.64± 0.11, 26.06± 0.66 and 13.88± 0.83 days, respectively; in the spring season these worked out to 3.37± 0.08, 19.30± 0.83 and 10.89± 0.42 days, respectively. Maximum male and female longevity were observed in the main season (6.79± 0.75 and 9.09± 0.09 days, respectively); and it was least with the spring season (5.19± 0.02 and 7.39± 0.36 days). The preoviposition, oviposition, postoviposition periods, and fecundity were observed to be maximum in the main season, compared to the spring season crop. The lifecycle got extended when reared with the main season crop compared to that of spring season. The growth index was maximum again in the main season crop (2.55± 0.26) as compared to the spring season one (1.42± 0.10).
Helicoverpa armigera, Tomato, Fruit, Lifecycle, Growth index, Egg, Larval, Pupal periods, Preoviposition, Postoviposition, Fecundity, Main, Spring seasons
