Abstract
Armyworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) is considered as one of the economically important insect pest in global agriculture. Suitability of host plants is critical for the efficient management of this economically important insect pest. We studied the effect of various host plants on the growth, development and fecundity of S. litura. The larvae of S. litura were offered leaves of cabbage, alfalfa, sesbania and, maize in comparison to artificial diet under laboratory conditions (32 +/- 05 degrees C; 65 +/- 05 RH). The larval suitability was found maximum on cabbage followed by sesbania, alfalfa and minimum on maize. The larval length and weight were found higher on cabbage followed by alfalfa and sesbania. Similarly, the pupal development was minimum in respect to days on maize than others. The adults lived 11 days more on cabbage compared to other diets. Female life span was found higher than male on all diets provided. Adult emergence rate was high in cabbage (93.11%), followed by alfalfa (87.5%), sesbania (81.33%), and maize (68.44%). Fecundity was higher when fed on leaves of cabbage, alfalfa and sesbania as compared to maize and artificial diet. Number of eggs oviposited were highest on cabbage (2455.5 eggs) followed by alfalfa (1750.0 eggs) and lowest on maize (1055.6 eggs). More egg batches were found on alfalfa and sesbania. All of the biological parameters of S. litura included in the study were affected by the host plants.