Journal of Entomological Research

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three artificial diets (Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3), formulated using locally available ingredients, on the development of Pectinophora gossypiella. First, second, and third instar larvae were reared on each diet, and their survival, development, and weights were recorded. When first instar larvae were reared, survival after 131 days was highest on Diet 1 (33.33%) and lowest on Diet 2 (16.66%). In second instar larvae, Diet 2 recorded the highest survival (83.33%) after 157 days, while Diet 3 showed the lowest (41.66%). For third instar larvae, 100% survival was observed on Diets 1 and 2, whereas Diet 3 showed 66.66% survival after 144 days. Developmental progress varied significantly with diet and larval stage. For first instars on Diet 1, by day 131, 16.66% had pupated and another 16.66% had reached adulthood. On Diet 2, 16.66% pupated by day 110, but no adult emergence occurred. On Diet 3, 16.66% pupated by day 131. Among second instars, Diet 2 performed best, with 66.66% reaching adulthood and 16.66% remaining in the fourth instar by day 131. On Diet 1, 33.33% reached adulthood, while on Diet 3, 33.33% pupated and only 8.33% became adults. For third instar on Diet 1, 33.33% emerged as adults, and 66.66% remained in diapause. On Diet 2, 50% remained in the fourth instar, 16.66% pupated, and 33.33% were in diapause. On Diet 3, 66.66% of the population remained at the pupal stage by day 131. Pupal and larval weights also varied among diets. First instars on Diet 1 had the highest larval (30 mg) and pupal (23 mg) weights, while Diet 3 recorded the lowest. Second instars showed the highest larval weight (39 mg) on Diet 1. For third instar, the highest larval weight (51 mg) was observed on Diet 2, and the lowest (13 mg) on Diet 3. Overall, Diet 2 supported the best development of second instar larvae, while Diet 1 was more suitable for early instars.