Journal of Pest Science (2011) 84, 199-205

F.S. Ramalho, T.L. Azeredo, F.S. Fernandes, J.L. Nascimento Júnior, J.B. Malaquias, A.R.B. Nascimento, C.A.D. Silva and J.C. Zanuncio (2011)
Food intake and utilization of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed on cotton cultivars with colored fibers
Journal of Pest Science 84 (2), 199-205
Abstract: The study investigated the development, survivorship, and food intake of cotton leafworm Alabama argillacea (Hübner) fed on three cotton cultivars with colored fibers. Significantly shorter larval life-span and higher pupal weight as well as higher survival rates were observed in A. argillacea fed on leaves of BRS Safira and BRS Rubí cotton cultivars compared with the BRS 200 cultivar (BRS = Brazil). Weight gain, feces, and food intake were higher in A. argillacea fed on leaves of BRS Safira compared with the BRS 200 cultivar. The cotton cultivar significantly affected all larval food intake and utilization indices for A. argillacea. The larvae of A. argillacea were more efficient (higher efficiency in converting ingested (ECI) and digested (ECD) food) when fed on leaves of the BRS Safira cultivar in comparison to the BRS 200 cultivar, since the larval phase was shortened and food intake was higher, resulting in a higher growth rate (RGR). However, A. argillacea larvae fed on the leaves of the BRS 200 cultivar, with lower ECI and ECD, exhibited a compensatory response, extending the duration of the larval phase and increasing food intake, resulting in a higher relative metabolic rate. We conclude that BRS Safira provides the best food quality for A. argillacea, BRS 200 the worst, and BRS Rubi plants of intermediate quality.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Francisco de Sousa Ramalho, José Cola Zanuncio

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Alabama argillacea	Cotton (Gossypium)