Oviposition preference and offspring performance of Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on different host plants
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Applied Entomology
Abstract
The cabbage head caterpillar Crocidolomia pavonana (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera:
Pyralidae) is an increasingly devastating pest on white cabbage
(Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in Uganda. Screen house and field trials
were used to assess oviposition preference and offspring performance of
C. pavonana on six hosts in the genus Brassica: kale (B. oleracea var.
acephala), cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), broccoli (B. oleracea var.
italica), Chinese cabbage (B. campestris spp. pekinensis), Indian mustard
(B. juncea (L.) Czern.) and white cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata). To
assess oviposition preference, the hosts were offered to C. pavonana in
multiple-choice (all six); two-choice (cabbage with each of the other
hosts) or cabbage-only situations. After specified oviposition periods, egg
numbers on individual plants were recorded. To determine C. pavonana
offspring performance on the six hosts, whole plants were placed in
individual cages, where larvae were monitored for development time,
pupal weight and foliage consumption. Results of the choice tests
indicated that C. pavonana preferred Chinese cabbage and broccoli for
oviposition. In two-choice arrangements, all the tested host plants were
able to greatly reduce oviposition on white cabbage (69–100%) when
compared with the monocrop. Chinese cabbage was the most suitable
host with regard to C. pavonana offspring performance as demonstrated
by the shortest development time and highest pupal weight. Chinese
cabbage and broccoli can be used as traps for the pest but the resulting
larvae should be destroyed regularly to prevent accumulation in the
system.
Description
Keywords
Brassica, Insect behaviour, Insect biology, Pest management, Trap cropping
Citation
Karungi, J., Lubanga, UK, Kyamanywa, S., & Ekbom, B. (2010). Oviposition preference and offspring performance of Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on different host plants. Journal of Applied Entomology , 134 (9‐10), 704-713. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2010.01518.x