The reproductive capacity of Spodoptera littoralis moths fed ascorbic acid analogs

Abstract

D-ascorbic acid, L-dehydroascorbic acid, 6-chloro-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid, 6-bromo-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid and ascorbyl-2-sulfate were bioassayed per os on moths of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). The activity of each of the analogs was compared with that of vitamin C and sucrose controls. D-ascorbic acid caused males to produce malformed spermatophores with no reduction in mating capacity. Females mated to these males layed infertile eggs and fecundity was lower than in females fed other analogs, L-ascorbic acid or sucrose diets. 6-chloro-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid reduced fertility and fecundity of the females, although this and other analogs did not affect the spermatophores. D-isoascorbic acid (= D-araboascorbic acid; D-erythorbic acid), D-glucoascorbic acid and all the other analogs were equally acquired by males microfed singly or at mating. The effect of D-optically active analogs on the spermatophore and the possible applications of the analogs in pest control are discussed.