P.G. Department of Zoology and Research Academy, Sevadal College for Women, Nagpur - 440 009, M.S., India.
* Corresponding author's E-mail: asmohite@dataone.in
Artificial diet made of powdered seeds of chickpea was modified by incorporating soybean powdered seed material in 3:1 proportion and was evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera for the developmental rate, life history parameters and fecundity. The study showed that larval body length, larval and pupal weight and fecundity were significantly higher in this diet as compared to chickpea powdered seeds diet. Improved mass rearing technique specifically for early instar larvae, also helped in collection and handling of neonates, transferring of second and third instar larvae on diet, and dispensing of diet in large number of rearing cells.
