Bioecological aspects of Hypocala andremona (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on persimmon cultivars

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The biology of Hypocala andremona (Cramer) on persimmon (Diospyrus kaki L.) leaves of the cultivars Atago and Giombo was studied in laboratory (27 ± 1ºC, 65 ± 10% RH, 14 hours photo period) and egg distribution on plants of the cultivar Giombo in a commercial orchard, during the 2001/2002 crop season, in Londrina, Paraná state. The developmental period of larvae fed on 'Giombo' was longer (17.8  0.17 days) in comparison to that of larvae fed on 'Atago' (15.8  0.27 days). In contrast, the duration of the pupal stage of insects raised on 'Giombo' was lower (12.0  0.29 days) than that of insects reared on 'Atago' (13.3  0.17 days). The viabilities of larvae were 60.8 and 38.8% for insects reared on 'Giombo' and on 'Atago', respectively. Pupal viability was similar (ca. 93%) between treatments. The duration of the preoviposition and incubation periods of larvae fed on 'Atago' were 4.0 days and 2.1 days, respectively, the fecundity 524.7 eggs, egg viability 77% and adult longevity 12.9 days. No eggs were obtained when H. andremona larvae were reared on 'Giombo' in laboratory. Adults preferred to lay their eggs on leaves located at the top of the persimmon tree canopy.