Bioassay comparative dose efficacy of Lufenuron on the biology of Spodoptera litura (F.) on cauliflower

Abstract

The common cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775, is a nocturnal moth, polyphagous in nature, destructive insect pest, damaging economically important crops, and decreasing the yield completely. The research was conducted to control through sub-lethal doses of Lufenuron under laboratory conditions where mortality was determined. The results indicated that the Lufenuron treatment caused mortality, reduction in larval and pupal weight. The copulation time, fecundity, and fertility decreased as compared to control. The maximum mortality was found on dose one after one week and minimum on dose five after 24 hours. The maximum larval weight reductions were recorded in dose one after one week, and dose three after 24 hours with the longest larval and pupal period in dose one and the shortest in dose five as compared to control. The maximum pupal weight reduction was recorded in dose one and minimum in dose five as the shortest adult longevity of S. litura in dose one and the longest in dose five thus; the longest duration of lifecycle in dose one and the shortest in dose five. The shortest copulation time in dose one and the highest in dose five with the minimum fecundity found in dose one and maximum in dose five whereas; minimum fertility of eggs in dose one and maximum in dose five as compared to control. It is concluded that the Lufenuron (IGR) is effective by their sub-lethal concentrations on S. litura however, the most preference can be given to which caused highly sub-lethal effects on its biology.