BIBLIOGRAPHY MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013. Effect of Different Host Plants on the
Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius). Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Eulogio V. Cardona Jr., Ph. D
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the Balili Research Station, Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2012 to February 2013 purposely to identify which
host plants from among the many host plants of cutworm is beneficial on the biology of
the insect and eventually utilize the plant for mass rearing under greenhouse condition. The
five plants studied for the biology of cutworm were cabbage leaves, camote leaves, castor
bean leaves, gabi leaves, and mulberry leaves. The effect of host plants on the insect
biology was measured in terms of the duration of development of larva and pupa, size and
weight of larva and pupae, percent survival of larva and pupa, percent adult emergence and
adult longevity.
The results of the research indicated the excellent development of cutworms reared
on castor bean leaves based in all the evaluated parameters in comparison with those reared
on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Observations indicated that the cutworm reared
on castor bean had the longest duration of development, had the biggest and heaviest larva
and pupa with the highest percentage of survival. Those cutworms reared on castor bean
were likewise observed with the highest percentage of adult emergence with the longest
life span.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Development Duration of Cutworm
The development duration of cutworm larva and pupa is presented in Table 2. It is
presented on the data table, the longest duration of development for those larvae reared on
castor bean equivalent to 29.9 days significantly longer than those cutworm reared on
cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Larval development of cutworm reared on cabbage
was 27.4 days, those reared on camote was 26.8 days, 28.10days on gabi and 27.20 days
for those reared on mulberry. The duration of development of larvae reared on cabbage,
camote, gabi and mulberry was numerically different but statistically, they were
insignificantly different.
Those cutworms reared on castor bean leaves had the longest duration of
development of pupa equivalent to 21.4 days significantly longer than those cutworm
reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The pupae with the second longest duration
of development were those reared on cabbage significantly longer than those reared on
gabi, camote and mulberry. The duration of development of those cutworm reared on
cabbage was 18.40 days followed by those reared on gabi equivalent to 17.40 days. Those
cutworms reared on camote and mulberry had the shortest duration of development
equivalent to only 16.4 days and 15.8 days, respectively.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Table 2. Developmental Duration (days) of cutworm as affected by different host plants
TEATMENT
INSECT STAGE
LARVA
PUPA
T1-CABBAGE
27.4 b
18.4b
T2-CAMOTE
26.8b
16.4d
T3-CASTOR BEAN
29.9a
21.4a
T4-GABI
28.1b
17.4c
T5-MULBERRY
27.2b
15.8d
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Body Size of Larva and Pupa
The measured size of the larva and pupa is presented in data Table 3. It is clearly
presented in the data table the longest body of full grown larvae reared on castor bean
equivalent to 43.5 mm significantly longer than those larvae reared on cabbage, camote,
gabi and mulberry. Closely second longest in rank were those larvae reared on cabbage,
camote, and gabi. The body length of larvae reared on cabbage was 40.1 mm. 39.5 mm on
camote and 39.0 mm on gabi. Cutworm larvae with the shortest body length were those
larvae reared on mulberry equivalent to 35.3 mm. In terms of the body width, those larvae
reared on castor bean had the widest body equivalent to 6.1 mm significantly wider than
those larvae reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The body width of the
cutworm reared on both cabbage and camote was 4.9 mm, while those reared on gabi was
5.1 mm and 4.4 mm for those reared on mulberry. The body width of larvae reared on
cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry were statistically insignificant.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
The body length of the pupa reared on castor bean was the longest equivalent to
20.70 mm significantly longer than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry.
Those with the second longest body were those cutworms reared on cabbage equivalent to
18.00 mm insignificantly different with those reared on gabi with the length of 18.40 mm.
Closely third were those reared on camote equivalent to 15.00 mm insignificantly different
with those reared on mulberry with the body length of 15.70 mm. In terms of width of
pupa, the widest were those reared on castor bean equivalent to 5.7 mm significantly wider
than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Pupae with the second widest
body were those reared on gabi equivalent to 5.1 mm insignificantly different with those
reared on cabbage equivalent to 4.6 mm. Those reared on camote and mulberry were the
smallest equivalent to 4.4 mm and 4.5 mm respectively.
Table 3. Body size (mm) of cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
LARVA
PUPA
LENGHT
WIDTH
LENGHT
WIDTH
T1-CABBAGE
40.1 b
4.9 b
18.00 b
4.6 bc
T2-CAMOTE
39.5 b
4.9 b
15.00 c
4.4 c
T3-CASTOR BEAN
43.5 a
6.1 a
20.70 a
5.7 a
T4-GABI
39.00 b
5.1 b
18.40 b
5.1 b
T5-MULBERRY
35.3 c
4.4 b
15.70 c
4.5 c
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Body Weight of Larva and Pupa
The weight of larva and pupa are presented in Table 4. The heaviest larvae were
recorded on those larvae reared on castor bean equivalent to 1.27 g significantly heavier
than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Far second heaviest were those
reared on both cabbage and gabi with the weight of 0.83 g, while the lightest were those
reared on both camote and mulberry equivalent to 0.67 g. As per observation, the larvae
reared on castor bean were almost twice bigger than those reared on camote and mulberry.
The heaviest pupae were likewise those reared on castor bean equivalent to 0.40g
significantly heavier than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The weight
of those reared in cabbage, camote and mulberry was 0.26g.
Table 4. Weight (g) of cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TEATMENT
INSECT STAGE
LARVA
PUPA
T1-Cabbage
0.83 b
0.26 b
T2-Camote
0.67 c
0.20 b
T3-Castor Bean
1.27 a
0.40 a
T4-Gabi
0.83 b
0.20 b
T5-Mulberry
0.67 c
0.20 b
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Larval Survival (%)
The survival of the larvae as affected by different host plants is presented in data
Table 5. The highest percentage of larval survival was the larvae reared on castor bean
equivalent to 44.28%. Following closely second were those larvae reared on gabi with the
percentage survival of 40.0%, 32.43 % for camote and 33.0% for those reared on mulberry.
The larvae reared on cabbage exhibited the smallest percentage of survival equivalent to
only 18.45 %.
Table 5. Larval survival (%) as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
NO. OF LARVA
NO. OF FULL
PERCENT
EMERGED
GROWN LARVA
(%)
T1-CABBAGE
168
31
18.45 %
T2-CAMOTE
148
48
32.43%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
70
31
44.28%
T4-GABI
100
40
40%
T5-MULBERRY
100
33
33 %
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Survival (%) of Pupa
The survival of the pupa (%) as affected by different host plants is presented in data
Table 6. Highest survival of pupa equivalent to 93.54 % was recorded from those reared
on castor bean. Far second were those reared on cabbage equivalent to 64.51 % and on gabi
equivalent 57.05 %. Far third were those reared on mulberry equivalent to 51.51% and
45.83% for those reared on camote.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Table 6. Survival of pupa (%) as affected by the different host pants
TREATMENT
NO. OF PUPA
NO. OF FULL
PERCENT
EMERGED
GROWN PUPA
(%)
T1-CABBAGE
31
20
64.51%
T2-CAMOTE
48
22
45.83%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
31
29
93. 54%
T4-GABI
40
23
57.5%
T5- MULBERRY
33
17
51.51%
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Percent Adult Emergence
The percent adult emergence is presented in Table 7. Highest adult emergence was
recorded on those reared on castor bean with the equivalent percentage emergence of 82.
75 % closely followed by those reared on cabbage equivalent to 80.0 % and 81.81 % on
those reared on camote. Far third were those reared on gabi equivalent to 73.91 % and
76.47 % for those reared on mulberry.
Table 7. Percentage of adult emergence (%) as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
NO. OF FULL
NO. OF ADULT
PERCENTAGE
GROWN PUPA
EMERGED
T1-CABBAGE
20
16
80%
T2-CAMOTE
22
18
81.81%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
29
24
82.75%
T4-GABI
23
17
73.91%
T5- MULBERRY
17
13
76.47%
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different at 0.05
DMRT
Longevity of Adults
The longevity of adult as affected by host plants is presented in Table 8. The longest
life spans of the adults were those reared on castor bean equivalent to 7. 3 days significantly
longer than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The life span of the adult
reared on cabbage was 5.7 days, 5.4 days on camote and 5.3 days on gabi. Those cutworm
reared on mulberry was the shortest equivalent to only 4.3 days.
Table 8. Longevity (days) of adult cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
MEAN
T1-CABBAGE
5.7 b
T2-CAMOTE
5.4 b
T3-CASTOR BEAN
7.3 a
T4-GABI
5.3 b
T5-MULBERRY
4.3 c
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted at the Balili Research Station, Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2012 to February 2013 purposely to identify which
host plants from among the many host plants of cutworm will be beneficial on the biology
of the insect and eventually utilize the plant for mass rearing under greenhouse condition.
Cutworm has many host plants but in this study, the host plants were narrowed down to
only five kinds serving as the treatments namely: cabbage leaves, camote leaves, castor
bean leaves, gabi leaves, and mulberry leaves. For a sufficient amount of leaves when
needed, before the research was formally started, the different host plants were first
propagated. Cabbage and castor bean were propagated on the 7-10 inches diameter clay
pots inside the greenhouse at the back of the Diadegma Rearing House. Both camote and
gabi were propagated on an area 100 m2 consisting of 10 plots each with the size dimension
of 1x10 meters.
When propagated plants have borne sufficient amount of leaves for feeding
purposes, the mass rearing of cutworm larvae for the study was started. The rearing started
with the collection of cutworm egg masses in area at the BSU Research Station planted
with cabbages. The collected eggs were immediately placed inside the transparent 1.0 litter
capacity beaker and covered with fine mesh cloth. One big egg mass was contained inside
the beaker container. Immediately after there were larval emergence, the emerged larvae
on the egg masses was counted and offered them the host food leaves contained in firm
plastic made cube shaped rearing containers with the size dimension of 5 inches in width,
2 inches in height, and 10 inches in length. Fresh leaves of cabbages, camote, castor bean,
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
gabi and mulberry which were taken near the shoots were gathered and serve as food for
the test insects. The effect of host plants on the insect biology was measured in terms of
the duration of development of larva and pupa, size and weight of larva and pupae, percent
survival of larva and pupa, (5) percent adult emergence and adult longevity.
The results of the research indicated the excellent development of cutworms reared
on castor bean leaves based in all the evaluation parameters in comparison with those
reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. As per observation, cutworm reared on
castor bean had the longest duration of development of both larva and pupa, the biggest
and heaviest larva and pupa with the highest percentage of survival. Those cutworms
reared on castor bean were likewise observed with the highest percentage of adult
emergence. The adult was likewise noted with the longest life span.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the development of cutworm under laboratory condition is best
enhanced by the host plant castor bean.
Recommendation
Among the many host plants, the host castor bean is recommended for the mass
rearing of cutworm larvae under laboratory condition.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
BAUTISTA, O. K. 1977. Vegetable Production. University of the Philippines Los
Banos, College of Agriculture. P. 143.
BORROR, D., D. M. DELONG and C.A TRIPLEHORN. 1954. An Introduction to
the Study of Insects. 4th ed. New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas,
Montreal, Toronto, London, Sydney: Holl Rinehart and Winston. P. 154.
CARDONA, E. V and C. S. LIGAT. 2007. Life history of common cutworm
(Spodoptera litura Fabricius) (Nuctoidae: Lepidoptera) in Benguet. BSU
Research Journal. 56:73 - 84.
CHENG, C .L. and K. V. BESSAMIRA. 1994. Pesticides: Its Hazardous Effects on
the Benguet Farmers and the Environment. Allied Printing Press. Baguio City.
Pp. 13-23.
DAVIS, F. 1997. Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus. Retrieved August 6, 2008 from
http://butterflyfeeders.com/pages/disese_prevention_Polyhedrosis.html.
D'
AMICO,
V.
1976.Baculoviruses.
Retrieved
August
10,2008
from
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/pathogen/baculoviruses.html.
GABRIEL, B. P. 1997. Insect and Mites Injurious to Philippine Crop Plants. National Crop
Protection
Center.
OCLB
College.
LAWRENCE,
A.
2006.Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus.
Retrieved August 10,2008 from http:
//geocites.com/rainforest/2153/np.html.
LEUMAX, P. 2008. Genetically Engineered Plants and Foods: A Scientists Analysis
of the Issues. Annual Review of Plant Biology 59: 771-812.
MAU, R. F. L and J. L. KESSING. 1991. Spodoptera exigua. Retrieved March 13,
2003 from http://www.extento.hawaii.edu.
METCALF, C.I., W. P FLINT and R. M. METCALF. 1962. Useful and Destructive
Insects, 4thed. New York, San Francisco, Toronto, London: mc Graw- Hill Book
Co. Pp. 112-114.
MIYAHARA, Y. T. WAKIKADO and TANAKA. 1971. Seasonal changes in the number
and size of the egg-masses of Prodenia litura. Japanese Journal of Applied
Entomology and Zoology. 15: 139-143.
NAGARKATTI S, and H. NAGARAJA.1977. Biosystematics of Trichogramma and
Trichogrammatoidea species. Annual Review of Entomology (22). Pp. 157-176.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
PADUA, L. E. 2000. Mass production, formulation and field efficacy of nuclear
polyhedrosis virus (NPV) against Spodoptera litura Fab. attacking asparagus,
onions and
peanuts. Memeographed.Biotech, UPLB, College, Laguna.P. 39.
PAEIRS, L. M. 1941. Insect Pest of Farm Garden and Orchard. 4th ed. New York. John
Wiley and Sons Inc. Pp.476-477.
STAFF. 2003. Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins, Used by Organic Farmers as an
Environmentally Safe Insecticide, Found to Kill Parasitic Roundworms. UC, San
Diego, Division of Biological Science, Retrieved July 26, 2012.
VAN, H. A. 1989.Integrated Management of Insect Pests in Tropical Crops. Vol.1 G. 50-
110. In: The Philippine Entomologist Journal. 1999. Department of Entomology,
UPLB, College, Laguna. 13(2):160.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013. Effect of Different Host Plants on the
Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius). Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Eulogio V. Cardona Jr., Ph. D
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the Balili Research Station, Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2012 to February 2013 purposely to identify which
host plants from among the many host plants of cutworm is beneficial on the biology of
the insect and eventually utilize the plant for mass rearing under greenhouse condition. The
five plants studied for the biology of cutworm were cabbage leaves, camote leaves, castor
bean leaves, gabi leaves, and mulberry leaves. The effect of host plants on the insect
biology was measured in terms of the duration of development of larva and pupa, size and
weight of larva and pupae, percent survival of larva and pupa, percent adult emergence and
adult longevity.
The results of the research indicated the excellent development of cutworms reared
on castor bean leaves based in all the evaluated parameters in comparison with those reared
on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Observations indicated that the cutworm reared
on castor bean had the longest duration of development, had the biggest and heaviest larva
and pupa with the highest percentage of survival. Those cutworms reared on castor bean
were likewise observed with the highest percentage of adult emergence with the longest
life span.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Development Duration of Cutworm
The development duration of cutworm larva and pupa is presented in Table 2. It is
presented on the data table, the longest duration of development for those larvae reared on
castor bean equivalent to 29.9 days significantly longer than those cutworm reared on
cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Larval development of cutworm reared on cabbage
was 27.4 days, those reared on camote was 26.8 days, 28.10days on gabi and 27.20 days
for those reared on mulberry. The duration of development of larvae reared on cabbage,
camote, gabi and mulberry was numerically different but statistically, they were
insignificantly different.
Those cutworms reared on castor bean leaves had the longest duration of
development of pupa equivalent to 21.4 days significantly longer than those cutworm
reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The pupae with the second longest duration
of development were those reared on cabbage significantly longer than those reared on
gabi, camote and mulberry. The duration of development of those cutworm reared on
cabbage was 18.40 days followed by those reared on gabi equivalent to 17.40 days. Those
cutworms reared on camote and mulberry had the shortest duration of development
equivalent to only 16.4 days and 15.8 days, respectively.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Table 2. Developmental Duration (days) of cutworm as affected by different host plants
TEATMENT
INSECT STAGE
LARVA
PUPA
T1-CABBAGE
27.4 b
18.4b
T2-CAMOTE
26.8b
16.4d
T3-CASTOR BEAN
29.9a
21.4a
T4-GABI
28.1b
17.4c
T5-MULBERRY
27.2b
15.8d
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Body Size of Larva and Pupa
The measured size of the larva and pupa is presented in data Table 3. It is clearly
presented in the data table the longest body of full grown larvae reared on castor bean
equivalent to 43.5 mm significantly longer than those larvae reared on cabbage, camote,
gabi and mulberry. Closely second longest in rank were those larvae reared on cabbage,
camote, and gabi. The body length of larvae reared on cabbage was 40.1 mm. 39.5 mm on
camote and 39.0 mm on gabi. Cutworm larvae with the shortest body length were those
larvae reared on mulberry equivalent to 35.3 mm. In terms of the body width, those larvae
reared on castor bean had the widest body equivalent to 6.1 mm significantly wider than
those larvae reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The body width of the
cutworm reared on both cabbage and camote was 4.9 mm, while those reared on gabi was
5.1 mm and 4.4 mm for those reared on mulberry. The body width of larvae reared on
cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry were statistically insignificant.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
The body length of the pupa reared on castor bean was the longest equivalent to
20.70 mm significantly longer than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry.
Those with the second longest body were those cutworms reared on cabbage equivalent to
18.00 mm insignificantly different with those reared on gabi with the length of 18.40 mm.
Closely third were those reared on camote equivalent to 15.00 mm insignificantly different
with those reared on mulberry with the body length of 15.70 mm. In terms of width of
pupa, the widest were those reared on castor bean equivalent to 5.7 mm significantly wider
than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Pupae with the second widest
body were those reared on gabi equivalent to 5.1 mm insignificantly different with those
reared on cabbage equivalent to 4.6 mm. Those reared on camote and mulberry were the
smallest equivalent to 4.4 mm and 4.5 mm respectively.
Table 3. Body size (mm) of cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
LARVA
PUPA
LENGHT
WIDTH
LENGHT
WIDTH
T1-CABBAGE
40.1 b
4.9 b
18.00 b
4.6 bc
T2-CAMOTE
39.5 b
4.9 b
15.00 c
4.4 c
T3-CASTOR BEAN
43.5 a
6.1 a
20.70 a
5.7 a
T4-GABI
39.00 b
5.1 b
18.40 b
5.1 b
T5-MULBERRY
35.3 c
4.4 b
15.70 c
4.5 c
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Body Weight of Larva and Pupa
The weight of larva and pupa are presented in Table 4. The heaviest larvae were
recorded on those larvae reared on castor bean equivalent to 1.27 g significantly heavier
than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. Far second heaviest were those
reared on both cabbage and gabi with the weight of 0.83 g, while the lightest were those
reared on both camote and mulberry equivalent to 0.67 g. As per observation, the larvae
reared on castor bean were almost twice bigger than those reared on camote and mulberry.
The heaviest pupae were likewise those reared on castor bean equivalent to 0.40g
significantly heavier than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The weight
of those reared in cabbage, camote and mulberry was 0.26g.
Table 4. Weight (g) of cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TEATMENT
INSECT STAGE
LARVA
PUPA
T1-Cabbage
0.83 b
0.26 b
T2-Camote
0.67 c
0.20 b
T3-Castor Bean
1.27 a
0.40 a
T4-Gabi
0.83 b
0.20 b
T5-Mulberry
0.67 c
0.20 b
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Larval Survival (%)
The survival of the larvae as affected by different host plants is presented in data
Table 5. The highest percentage of larval survival was the larvae reared on castor bean
equivalent to 44.28%. Following closely second were those larvae reared on gabi with the
percentage survival of 40.0%, 32.43 % for camote and 33.0% for those reared on mulberry.
The larvae reared on cabbage exhibited the smallest percentage of survival equivalent to
only 18.45 %.
Table 5. Larval survival (%) as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
NO. OF LARVA
NO. OF FULL
PERCENT
EMERGED
GROWN LARVA
(%)
T1-CABBAGE
168
31
18.45 %
T2-CAMOTE
148
48
32.43%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
70
31
44.28%
T4-GABI
100
40
40%
T5-MULBERRY
100
33
33 %
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Survival (%) of Pupa
The survival of the pupa (%) as affected by different host plants is presented in data
Table 6. Highest survival of pupa equivalent to 93.54 % was recorded from those reared
on castor bean. Far second were those reared on cabbage equivalent to 64.51 % and on gabi
equivalent 57.05 %. Far third were those reared on mulberry equivalent to 51.51% and
45.83% for those reared on camote.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Table 6. Survival of pupa (%) as affected by the different host pants
TREATMENT
NO. OF PUPA
NO. OF FULL
PERCENT
EMERGED
GROWN PUPA
(%)
T1-CABBAGE
31
20
64.51%
T2-CAMOTE
48
22
45.83%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
31
29
93. 54%
T4-GABI
40
23
57.5%
T5- MULBERRY
33
17
51.51%
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Percent Adult Emergence
The percent adult emergence is presented in Table 7. Highest adult emergence was
recorded on those reared on castor bean with the equivalent percentage emergence of 82.
75 % closely followed by those reared on cabbage equivalent to 80.0 % and 81.81 % on
those reared on camote. Far third were those reared on gabi equivalent to 73.91 % and
76.47 % for those reared on mulberry.
Table 7. Percentage of adult emergence (%) as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
NO. OF FULL
NO. OF ADULT
PERCENTAGE
GROWN PUPA
EMERGED
T1-CABBAGE
20
16
80%
T2-CAMOTE
22
18
81.81%
T3-CASTOR BEAN
29
24
82.75%
T4-GABI
23
17
73.91%
T5- MULBERRY
17
13
76.47%
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different at 0.05
DMRT
Longevity of Adults
The longevity of adult as affected by host plants is presented in Table 8. The longest
life spans of the adults were those reared on castor bean equivalent to 7. 3 days significantly
longer than those reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. The life span of the adult
reared on cabbage was 5.7 days, 5.4 days on camote and 5.3 days on gabi. Those cutworm
reared on mulberry was the shortest equivalent to only 4.3 days.
Table 8. Longevity (days) of adult cutworm as affected by the different host plants
TREATMENT
MEAN
T1-CABBAGE
5.7 b
T2-CAMOTE
5.4 b
T3-CASTOR BEAN
7.3 a
T4-GABI
5.3 b
T5-MULBERRY
4.3 c
Means within each vertical column followed by same letter are not significantly different
at 0.05 DMRT
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted at the Balili Research Station, Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2012 to February 2013 purposely to identify which
host plants from among the many host plants of cutworm will be beneficial on the biology
of the insect and eventually utilize the plant for mass rearing under greenhouse condition.
Cutworm has many host plants but in this study, the host plants were narrowed down to
only five kinds serving as the treatments namely: cabbage leaves, camote leaves, castor
bean leaves, gabi leaves, and mulberry leaves. For a sufficient amount of leaves when
needed, before the research was formally started, the different host plants were first
propagated. Cabbage and castor bean were propagated on the 7-10 inches diameter clay
pots inside the greenhouse at the back of the Diadegma Rearing House. Both camote and
gabi were propagated on an area 100 m2 consisting of 10 plots each with the size dimension
of 1x10 meters.
When propagated plants have borne sufficient amount of leaves for feeding
purposes, the mass rearing of cutworm larvae for the study was started. The rearing started
with the collection of cutworm egg masses in area at the BSU Research Station planted
with cabbages. The collected eggs were immediately placed inside the transparent 1.0 litter
capacity beaker and covered with fine mesh cloth. One big egg mass was contained inside
the beaker container. Immediately after there were larval emergence, the emerged larvae
on the egg masses was counted and offered them the host food leaves contained in firm
plastic made cube shaped rearing containers with the size dimension of 5 inches in width,
2 inches in height, and 10 inches in length. Fresh leaves of cabbages, camote, castor bean,
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
gabi and mulberry which were taken near the shoots were gathered and serve as food for
the test insects. The effect of host plants on the insect biology was measured in terms of
the duration of development of larva and pupa, size and weight of larva and pupae, percent
survival of larva and pupa, (5) percent adult emergence and adult longevity.
The results of the research indicated the excellent development of cutworms reared
on castor bean leaves based in all the evaluation parameters in comparison with those
reared on cabbage, camote, gabi and mulberry. As per observation, cutworm reared on
castor bean had the longest duration of development of both larva and pupa, the biggest
and heaviest larva and pupa with the highest percentage of survival. Those cutworms
reared on castor bean were likewise observed with the highest percentage of adult
emergence. The adult was likewise noted with the longest life span.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the development of cutworm under laboratory condition is best
enhanced by the host plant castor bean.
Recommendation
Among the many host plants, the host castor bean is recommended for the mass
rearing of cutworm larvae under laboratory condition.
Effect of Different Host Plants on the Biology of Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)|
MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013
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MAY-OS, MILDRED S. APRIL 2013