We examined the effect of age-specific fecundity, mated status, and egg load
on host-plant selection by Helicoverpa armigera under
laboratory conditions. The physiological state of a female moth (number of
mature eggs produced) greatly influences her host-plant specificity and
propensity to oviposit (oviposition motivation). Female moths were less
discriminating against cowpea (a low-ranked host) relative to maize (a
high-ranked host) as egg load increased. Similarly, increased egg load led to
a greater propensity to oviposit on both cowpea and maize. Distribution of
oviposition with age of mated females peaked shortly after mating and declined
steadily thereafter until death. Most mated females (88%) carried only
a single spermat-ophore, a few females (12%) contained two. The
significance of these findings in relation to host-plant selection by
H. armigera, and its management, are discussed.
Host Plant Selection Affects Biological Parameters in Armyworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
