Developmental Biology of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Tomato under Mid hills (sub-humid) Conditions of India

Author: Vasu Mehta*, Jayaram, C.S., Radha Koranga and Nitika Negi

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Abstract

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) is a polyphagous insect pest that damage and causes economic losses to several field and vegetable crops including maize, cotton, soybean, alfalfa, cotton, tomato etc. in many parts of the world. It is a major pest of tomato under protected and field conditions in Himachal Pradesh and thus, the present investigation was carried out to investigate certain biological parameters of S. exigua on tomato leaves and fruits under laboratory conditions (25±4.2°C and 65-80% RH) by following proper and simple methodology. The eggs were laid in clusters with an incubation period of 3.50±0.82 days. There were six larval instars and the total larval period was 20.50±3.84 days. Prior to pupation, the mature larvae curled into C-shape and the prepupal period lasted for 1.50±0.13 days, while the pupa was object with a pupal period of 10.50±0.42 days. The female moths were larger and survived for a longer time (11.00±0.87) than male moths (8.50±0.71)

Keywords

Spodoptera exigua, tomato, biology, life history, laboratory condition, Himachal Pradesh.

Conclusion

Our study aimed to reveal the biological aspects of S. exigua on tomato, which would give an idea to the researchers and personnel involved in tomato production about the basic biology of this pest on tomato. Experiments conducted by us clearly showed the ease of development of this pest even in laboratory conditions (less mortality). Furthermore, future studies should be focused on evaluating different hosts simultaneously or varieties of same crop against S. exigua under natural and controlled conditions, evaluating chemical components responsible for their susceptibility/resistance and more attention should be dedicated to study demographic parameters of this pest under field conditions for developing effective management strategies.

References

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How to cite this article

Mehta, V., Jayaram, C.S., Koranga, R. and Negi, N. (2021). Developmental Biology of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Tomato under Mid hills (sub-humid) Conditions of India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(3a): 11-15