ABSTRACT
Aim of the study: This research sought to evaluate the appropriateness of four distinct plant species: Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry), Pisum sativum (Pea), Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato), and Lactuca sativa var. Capitata (Iceberg lettuce) for mass cultivation of Helicoverpa armigera in laboratory settings.
Design/Methodology: The growth rates and reproductive capacities of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), on the four aforementioned plant species as hosts were assessed in controlled laboratory conditions. The environment was maintained at 26±1°C, with 75±5 % relative humidity and a light-dark photoperiod cycle of 16:8 hours. Statistical analysis of biological parameters was conducted using one-way analysis of variance ANOVA.
Findings: The findings revealed that cotton bollworm larvae successfully developed on all four host plants, with particularly low mortality rates observed on Pea. The duration of immature stages ranged from 31.13 days on Peas to 36.67 days on Iceberg lettuce. The average egg production per female was as follows: 711.67 eggs over 8.6 days (82.75 eggs/day) for Strawberry, 658.33 eggs over 9.0 days (73.15 eggs/day) for Pea, 789.67 eggs over 10.0 days (78.97 eggs/day) for Tomato, and 657.67 eggs over 10.3 days (63.85 eggs/day) for Iceberg lettuce. No significant variations were observed in oviposition or hatching rates. The study concludes that all four tested plant species are suitable for Helicoverpa armigera laboratory mass-rearing, with peas demonstrating the highest efficacy based on growth indices.
Novelty/significance: This investigation highlighted the influence of host plant species on the developmental and reproductive capacities of Helicoverpa armigera. The research confirms the suitability of the four examined plant hosts for laboratory rearing of Helicoverpa armigera, with pea emerging as the most favorable option. These findings can be applied profitably for multigenerational mass rearing, serving as a crucial component in developing efficient integrated pest management strategies.
Keywords: Helicoverpa armigera bollworm, host plants, Strawberry, pea, Tomato, Iceberg lettuce.
Paper type: Research paper
Singer M.C., Vasco D., Parmesan C., Thomas C.D., Ng D. (1992), "Distinguishing between preference and motivation in food choice: an example from insect oviposition. " Animal Behaviour, Vol. 44, pp. 463- 471. DOI: 