Abstract
The research studies were conducted to determine the effects of Custard Apple (Annona squamosaL). (Seed extract) and transgenic cotton CEMB-33, BT-906 varieties against larval mortality, pupation, adult emergence, fecundity and fertility ofSpodoptera lituraFab. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions 27.5 +/- 5 degrees C and relative humidity 65 +/- 5%, at (MAHQ) Biological Research Centre, University of Karachi. Toxicity ofA. squamosa(SE) as seed extract was determined against sixtyS. liturafifth instar larvae, treated with 0.90, 1.10, 1.30, 1.50 and 1.70% concentrations each ofA. squamosa(SE) seed extract. After 72 h of treatment, mortality was recorded and LC(50)value found to be 1.32%, by probit analysis. When sixty, fifth instar larvae ofS. liturawere treated with LC(50)ofA. squamosa(SE) and the same number of larvae fed with fresh leaves of transgenic cotton CEMB-33 and BT-906. Larval pupation was recorded 43.33, 79.17, and 81.25% from which only 26.25, 50.00 and 57.08% pupa emerged as adults. Male and female moths' were paired (T female x U male) and showed relative fecundity 57.40, 34.70, and 29.45% while relative fertility was recorded 55.78, 21.02, and 19.81%. Moths' paired as U female x T male showed relative fecundity 61.64, 43.02, and 36.71% while relative fertility 65.03, 29.29, and 28.18%, similarlyS. lituramoths paired (T female x T male) showed relative fecundity 84.02, 59.09 and 53.62% while relative fertility 70.88, 35.47 and 32.91%.A. squamosa(SE) and crystal proteinBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) present in transgenic cotton affect the biotic potential ofS. liturawith significant margins as compared to the control. Both may be employed againstS. lituralarvae.