1Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, India
2Department of Entomology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan - 173 230, Himachal Pradesh, India
PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nurmahal, Jalandhar - 144 039, Punjab, India
*Corresponding authors E-mail : harwinder-pp@pau.edu
Online published on 20 December, 2024.
The present study investigated the developmental dynamics and reproductive behaviour of Spodoptera litura on capsicum, castor and tomato plants at four temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35°C). The results revealed significant differences in the developmental stages of S. litura across temperature regimes and host plants. At 20°C, the incubation phase lasted the longest on capsicum, followed by tomato and castor. Similarly, the larval, pupal and total developmental period were significantly higher on capsicum compared to tomato and castor. Male and female longevity varied across host plants, with castor exhibiting the highest values. The interaction between host plants and temperatures had a major impact on the developmental parameters. Duration of larval stage was significantly less on castor compared to capsicum and tomato across different temperatures. Pupal period and total developmental period also varied significantly among host plants and temperature regimes.
Armyworm, Ecology, Host plant, Reproductive behaviour, Temperature
