Journal of Entomological Research

Many weeds serve as alternate hosts for Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabr.). Studies revealed no significant difference in carbohydrates in all the hosts while crude protein was found significantly higher in Lycopersicum esculentum (brinjal) as compared to other hosts but was not found significantly different amongst Physalis minima, Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena. The total phenol contents were significantly higher in S. nigrum followed by P. minima, S. melongena and L. esculentum, however, values were not significantly different between P. minima and S. melongena. The total free amino acids contents were significantly higher in P. minima followed by S. nigrum and L. esculentum. The lowest was in S. melongena. Larval, pupal and total development duration was lowest in the larvae fed on P. minima followed by S. melongena, S. nigrum and L. esculentum. The highest larval mortality was recorded in the larvae fed on the leaves of L. esculentum (cultivar Pusa ruby) while lowest on P. minima and S. melongena. When total per cent survival of the larvae fed on different four hosts was compared, the highest per cent survival was in P. minima and S. melongena followed by S. nigrum and L. esculentum. The host preference of P. minima and brinjal was also supported by the larval and pupal weight, which was highest than developed on other hosts. Study revealed P. minima as a preferred host equivalent to brinjal, which is considered to be a major host of the spotted beetle.