Reproductive Performance of Spodoptera frugiperda on Diverse Host Plants: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aims: In this study, we investigated the reproductive performance of Spodoptera frugiperda on seven economically important host plants (maize, soybean, French bean, green gram, castor, sorghum, groundnut) under laboratory conditions. Study Design: The design of the experiment was completely randomized with seven treatments, which replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The present research work was carried out at entomology laboratory, SVIAg, SVVV, Indore during 1 July 2024 to 31 June 2025. Methodology: Laboratory reared 1 instar larvae were kept in petri dishes with each plant species leaves until they pupated. After emergence, seven pairs of moths were placed in plastic containers, after oviposition observation on all reproductive parameters were observed. Results: All reproductive parameters were significantly affected by all tested host plants. The preoviposition period shortest and longest on maize and French bean (2.08 and 3.33 days, respectively). However, Oviposition period of FAW inversely correlated with preoviposition period. Significantly highest fecundity, egg masses and fertility were found on maize (816.67 eggs/ female, 7.17 egg masses/ female and 95.46 %, respectively), while lowest on French bean (311.33 eggs/ female, 2.83 egg masses/ female and 79.42 %, respectively). Further, incubation period was shortened on maize (2.20 days), conversely prolonged on French bean (2.93 days). Notably, Maize was found to be most preferred and nutritious host for S. frugiperda larval development as compared to other host plants.