Impact of Temperature on Survival and Fecundity of Spodoptera litura on Capsicum

The tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.), is a pervasive pest affecting numerous plant species. This study investigates the life fertility parameters of S. litura on capsicum under varying temperatures to enhance pest management strategies. With experiments conducted at the Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, India, this research aims to elucidate the impact of temperature on the reproductive potential of S. litura. By analyzing key fertility parameters such as gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), and intrinsic rate of increase (rm). The study assesses the optimal temperature conditions for S. litura reproduction. The optimal conditions for reproduction occur at 25°C, but the highest intrinsic rate of increase was recorded at 35°C, indicating accelerated population growth under higher temperatures despite a reduction in individual fecundity. These insights contribute to more precise pest control strategies by highlighting temperature’s role in S. litura population dynamics, thereby improving Integrated Pest Management (IPM) interventions.