Effect of diflubenzuron treatment on the ovarian carbohydrates of Spodoptera maurilia Boisd.

The level of carbohydrates in the ovary of adult Spodoptera mauritia Boisd. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) emerging from the larva treated with diflubenzuron (DFB) registered a reduction in comparison to that of the ovary of adult S. mauritia obtained from untreated larva. This reduction in the level of carbohydrate may be due to a decline in the rate of synthesis of glucose. Though there is a gradual decrease in the carbohydrate concentration of ovary of adults emerging from the untreated larva during the initial stage of adult life, the level increased gradually on the 2nd and 3rd day of adult life. But, on the 4th day the level showed a depletion. This may be due to the storage of carbohydrates in the ovary during the early period of development and utilization during the later period for the development of egg.