Food consumption and utilization of food by Heliothis armigera (Hub.) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)

Abstract

Eight plant species were tested for food consumption and utilization by last instar larvae of the cotton bollworm, Heliothis armigera (Hub.). Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) had the highest consumption (186.6-196.6 mg larva-1 day-1) and oat the lowest (12.6-16.4 mg larva-1 day-1). Maximum/minimum utilization for kale and bermuda grass were 90-95.9 and 63.9-75.6%, respectively. Considering both consumption and utilization, berseem was the most preferred food plant. Kale and apple were next in preference, with oat, wheat and bermuda grass the least preferred hosts.