Development of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on transgenic Bt, non-Bt, desi cotton and Okra

The current study was carried out under laboratory conditions to estimate developmental parameters of P. gossypiella on various hosts viz., G. hirsutum (BG II, Bt and non-Bt cotton), G. arboreum (desi cotton) and Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra). The findings revealed its shortest larval period on okra and longest on non-Bt cotton. The fecundity was significantly high on non-Bt and BG II cotton. Larval and pupal weight and survival period were lower on BG II cotton while they were highest on non-Bt cotton. Amongst the various host plants studied, non-Bt cotton was a preferable host in terms of fecundity, larval duration, larval and pupal weight and survival. Further, BG II and desi cotton showed most negative effects on biological parameters of P. gossypiella.