Survival of Heliothis armigera (Hübner) larvae on chickpea through winter months in the field in Northern India

First instar larvae of Heliothis armigera (Hübner) were released on chickpea plants in the field on different dates during December, 1996 to observe the effect of low winter temperature on their survival. Maximum reduction (ca 30%) in the larval population was observed during the first 3 to 5 days after their release in the field. Larval losses were about 50, 65 and 75 per cent after 10, 20 and 30 days of their release, respectively. Older larvae seemed to be more tolerant to the prevailing low temperature (10 to 13.4°C) than the younger ones.