Dreadful upshot from a scrumptious meal

Issue Date

10-2012

Abstract

The larval feeding habits of Helicoverpa armigera was studied under laboratory conditions. Assessment was done on larval diet incorporated with aqueous extracts of Datura candida and Lantana camara at various concentrations (10%, 25%, and 50%). Forty individuals of 3rd instar larvae were reared on treated diet continuously until adult stage. Durations of the different developmental stages until the adult stage and abnormalities within these stages were recorded. Larval stage was significantly shortened when reared with diet incorporated with Datura and Lantanathan the larvae reared on the standard diet. Survival percentages of 6th instar larvae and of those approaching pupation were significantly low when reared on diet with extracts of both Datura and Lantana (50%). Morphological abnormalities and deformities were observed at all developmental stages of the corn earworm at regular pattern when reared from all the diets with plant extracts. Abnormalities ranged from uneven sclerotization of the abdomen forming rigid bodies, appearance of larval-pupal intermediates, deformed pupae, and malformed adults. Aqueous extracts of Datura and Lantana have a stimulatory effect on feeding activity of H. armigera larvae. Enhanced larval feeding resulted in heavier larvae and longer body. However, larval and pupal developmental periods were shortened leading to severe abnormalities and finally death of the insect. Insects that reached the adults stage were usually malformed and unable to mate successfully.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page

198

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA; DATURA; LANTANA CAMARA; FEEDING HABITS; DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES; PUPAL STAGE

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