Variability in consumption and growth rate patterns in the R-strain, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) fed with graminacious host plants

Studies revealed that R-strain of S. frugiperda larva consumed greater quantity of artificial diet and recorded highest weight gain with highest per cent digestibility of consumed food and converted maximum food consumed to body substances compared to host plants maize, sorghum and sugarcane. The consumption rate as well as proportional growth rate was more in artificial diet compared to host plant foods. Among the natural host plant foods the growth parameters were comparatively higher with maize followed by sorghum and sugarcane suggesting maize as preferred food. The feeding period was comparatively low for artificial diet followed by maize, sorghum and sugarcane suggesting its faster growth, development and reproduction on artificial diet.