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Morphometric and developmental consequences in Spodoptera litura due to feeding on three varieties of sweet potato plants (Ipomoea batata)

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Abstract

The tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest defoliating sweet potato, Ipomoea batata (Lam) (Convolvulaceae), throughout Asia. The study of morphometric parameters of S. litura as a result of feeding on three varieties (RNSP1, KIRAN and RNSP3) of host plant revealed that a greater number of egg masses were laid on the KIRAN variety than on the others. I. batata varieties showed statistically significant effects on length, breadth and weight of different larval instars. KIRAN-fed larvae molted to bigger-sized pupae. S. litura larvae reared on KIRAN variety had the highest feeding index as well as growth index. The low concentrations of phenols and carbohydrates coupled with elevated levels of proteins and amino acids were found in KIRAN as compared with RNSP1 and RNSP3. Collectively, the results of this study revealed that KIRAN cultivar was the most suitable food plant for the development of S. litura. Concurrently, it is suggested that this cultivar is therefore least suitable for sweet potato cultivation.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Department of Science and Technology, Women Scientist Scheme (WOS - A), New Delhi. for a research grant and to Dr. J.S. Yadav, Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India for encouragement and the use of facilities.

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  1. Biology and Biotechnology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500607, India

    Kurra Sandhyarani & Pathipati Usha Rani

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  1. Kurra Sandhyarani
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  2. Pathipati Usha Rani
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Correspondence to Pathipati Usha Rani.

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Sandhyarani, K., Rani, P.U. Morphometric and developmental consequences in Spodoptera litura due to feeding on three varieties of sweet potato plants (Ipomoea batata). Phytoparasitica 41, 317–325 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-013-0292-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-013-0292-2

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