Biology Studies of Tobacco Caterpillar, Spodoptera Litura Fabricius On Castor (Ricinus Communis L.)
Biology Studies of Tobacco Caterpillar, Spodoptera Litura Fabricius On Castor (Ricinus Communis L.)
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Biology studies of tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera
JEZS 2020; 8(2): 1163-1168
© 2020 JEZS
litura Fabricius on castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Received: 25-01-2020
Accepted: 27-02-2020
Deepak, SP Yadav, Sunita Yadav and Puneet
Deepak
Department of Entomology,
College of Agriculture, CCS
Abstract
HAU, Hisar, Haryana, India Biology of Tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fabricius) on Castor was carried out during 2018-19 at
Department of Entomology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The total
SP Yadav larval period of S. litura ranged from 12 to 22 days with a mean period of 15.6 ± 2.10 days. Pupation
Department of Entomology, took place inside the soil (5 to 6 cm deep) provided in cylindrical glass jar. Mean pupal duration was 7.35
College of Agriculture, CCS ± 0.80 days having a length and breadth of 14.20 ± 0.68 mm and 14.20 ± 0.68 mm, respectively. Total
HAU, Hisar, Haryana, India life cycle of S. litura varied from 21 to 37 days with an average period of 34.85 ± 3.44 days with a male-
female ratio of 1:1.4 and adult emergence percentage was 86.66 per cent.
Sunita Yadav
Department of Entomology, Keywords: Castor, biology, Spodoptera litura, larval period, male-female ratio
College of Agriculture, CCS
HAU, Hisar, Haryana, India
1. Introduction
Puneet In India, major oilseed crops of Kharif season are soyabean, groundnut, sesamum and castor.
Department of Entomology, Castor (Ricinus communis L.) locally known as ‘Arandi’ is a non-edible oilseed crop which
College of Agriculture, CCS belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Castor oil and cake are two major products obtained
HAU, Hisar, Haryana, India
from castor crop. Main use of castor crop is to extract non-edible oil from its seeds. Well
drained sandy loam soils are suitable for its cultivation. The seed also contains ricin, a toxin
which is present in lower concentrations throughout the plant. Major composition of seed is
oil, constituting 50-55% which is unique in terms of a single fatty acid-ricinoleic acid (90%)
(DOR, 2003) [5]. In India, total cultivated area under castor was 0.8 m ha with a production of
1.37 million tonnes and productivity of 1704 kg/ha during 2016-17. India exported 0.69
million tonnes of castor oil fetching Rs. 6730 crore in terms of valuable foreign exchange
(Anonymous, 2018) [2].
More than 107 species of insects and six species of mites were recorded on castor at different
stages of crop growth (Lakshminarayana and Raoof, 2005) [9]. Sarma et al, 2005 reported that
most of the insect pests infesting castor crop either defoliators or sucking pests. The tobacco
caterpillar, S. litura being polyphagous in nature is one of the most important insect pests of
agricultural crops in the Asia. It is widely distributed throughout tropical and temperate Asia,
Australia and· the Pacific Islands (Feakin, 1973; Kranz et al., 1977) [6, 8]. Tobacco caterpillar
prefers castor as compared to mungbean and groundnut (Satyanarayana and Sudhakar, 1994)
[14]
. To undergo proper management of any insect-pest, a clear cut knowledge of its biology
and population dynamics is must in order to target the most vulnerable stage.
The incubation period and number of larvae hatched were five instars with every moulting feeding capacity of larvae
recorded. In order to determine the different larval instars, increased. Same was recorded by Cardona et al. (2007) [3].
different instar durations and total larval duration, the newly
hatched larvae were collected and reared on castor leaves. The 3.2.1 First instar
individual larvae were transferred in petri dishes with the help First instar larva was pale greenish in colour having blackish
of camel hair brush and were provided with fresh leaves. The head and small black dots on its body (Plate III). Small hairs
leaves were changed every day in the morning. In order to on lateral sides of body were observed which shed down
determine the larval instars, the individual larva was observed during moulting to second instar. hairs on lateral sides of
daily for the exuviae as well as head capsule. Observations on body were observed which shed down during moulting to
number of instars, instar duration and total larval period were second instar. The above observations on first instar larvae
recorded. When the larvae were about to pupate, they were colour and body are in close accordance with the observations
transferred in a jar having sieved moist soil at the bottom to made by Ramaiah and Maheshwari (2018) and Amaldoss and
facilitate the pupation. The pre-pupal period observations Hsue (1989) [1]. Larvae were having mean body length of 1.45
were taken every day in the morning during the larval to 1.60 mm with an average l.00 mm and breadth varied from
development. Full grown larvae stopped feeding, become 0.22 to 0.26 mm with a mean of 0.25 ± 0.02 mm (Table 3).
sluggish and darken in colour before entering into the pupal The duration of first instar lasted from 2 to 4 days having a
stage. These characteristics were used to know the initiation mean period 3.10 ± 0.77 days (Table 1). More or less similar
of the pre-pupal stage. The period from the larva stopped the observations were recorded by Kanani (2013) [7].
feeding to entered into the soil for pupation was considered as
pre-pupal period. The pupae were collected three days after 3.2.2 Second instar
pupation. Pupal period was calculated from the date of entry The second instar larva was having faded yellow stripes along
inside the soil to the date of emergence of imago. the back and the lateral sides (Plate IV) having light green
Observations on duration of various life stages i.e. egg, larva, body colour. The larvae were having mean body length of
pre-pupa, pupa and adult were recorded. 3.91 to 5.10 mm with an average of 4.53 ± 0.43 mm, breadth
ranged from 0.44 to 0.55 mm with a mean of 0.52 ± 0.04 mm
3.0 Results and discussion (Table 3). The duration of second instar larvae ranged from 3
The biology of S. litura on castor was carried out during to 5 days with a mean period of 3.40 ± 0.67 days (Table 1).
August and September, 2018 at room temperature range of Similar observations were reported by Ramiah and
28.50±0.66 °C and 21.40±0.81 °C with relative humidity of Maheshwari (2018)
66.39 ±1.66% respectively.
3.2.3 Third instar
3.1 Egg stage The third instar larva was having black dots on each side of
The egg masses of S. litura were found laid on lower side of first and eighth abdominal segment (Plate V). The dotted
tender leaves of castor. The eggs were in cluster and covered black line was observed on lateral side of body and feed
with pale brown scales from abdominal tip of gravid female voraciously with fully developed mouth parts. The colour of
which look alike hairs. The arrangement of eggs was in group larval body changed to light green to dark green. The length
having 2 to 3 layers of eggs. The present findings are in of third instar larvae varied from 10.63 to 13.09 mm with an
conformity with the observation of Thomas et al. (1969) [17] as average of 12.07 ± 0.82 mm while breadth varied from 1.46 to
he also recorded that eggs of S. litura were laid on under 1.55 mm with an average of 1.51 ± 0.04 mm (Table 3). The
surface of tobacco, castor and banana leaves. Similarly Kumar duration of third instar larvae were 3 to 5 days with a mean
and Jackson (2007) and Ramaiah and Maheshwari (2018) period of 3.75 ± 0.95 days (Table 1). All the observations
reported that the eggs of S. litura were covered by the scales were in close agreement with the findings of Kanani (2013)
[7]
from the tip of abdomen of female moths. Eggs were .
spherical in shape (Plate I) and pale greenish in colour. The
present findings are in accordance with Cardona et al. (2007) 3.2.4 Fourth instar
[3]
as they also reported that round shaped eggs were laid in The fourth instar larva was having three bright coloured
masses by S. litura. Prior to hatching covering (scales) of eggs yellow stripes, one in middle and others two on lateral side of
was removed and it was seen that eggs turned black in colour larval body (Plate VI). The larvae length ranged from 22.30 to
showing developing head capsule of first instar. Incubation 23.70 mm with an average of 23.03 ± 0.58 mm and breadth of
period varied from 2 to 4 days with an average mean of 2.95 ± 2.92 to 4.11mm with a mean of 3.57 ± 0.43 mm (Table 3).
0.81 days. (Table 1). Similarly incubation period of 2.92 ± The duration of fourth instar larvae varied from 2 to 4 days
0.03 days was recorded by Torreno (1985) [18]. The diameter with a mean period of 2.45 ± 0.59 days (Table 1). Similar
of egg varied from 0.41 mm to 0.42mm with an average of observations were observed by Kanani (2013) [7].
0.42 ± 0.01 mm (Table 3) which was more or less similar to
findings of Ramaiah and Maheswari 2018) who recorded 3.2.5 Fifth instar
diameter of eggs of S litura.was 0.41 ± 0.01 mm. The fifth insar larvae were fully active and feeding
voraciously on leaves resulting in feeding the whole leaves
3.2 Larva leaving only the mid rib. The length of fifth instar larvae
The newly hatched larvae feed gregariously on leaves surface varied from 37.60 to 38.20 mm with an average of 37.87 ±
by scraping, in early stage (Plate II). The severe feeding 0.33 mm. Similar observations were reported by Ramiah and
observed during night. The third, fourth and fifth instar larvae Maheshwari (2018) that the length of fifth instar larvae varied
started feeding voraciously on leaves such that only mid ribs from 37.40 to 38.04 mm with mean length of 37.72 mm. The
and veins left which is in close agreement with Chari et al. breadth varied from 4.93 to 6.98 with an average of 6.03 ±
(1987) [4] and Cardona et al. (2007) [3]. Larvae pass through 0.80 mm (Table 3). The duration of fifth instar larvae ranged
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from 2 to 4 days having a mean duration of 2.90 ± 0.84 days 3.6 Mating
(Table 1). Male and female adult moths were kept in a cylindrical jar
covered with muslin cloth for mating. The mating took place
3.2.6 Total larval period during night. The behaviour of both was observed to be quiet
The total larval period of S. litura ranged from 12 to 22 days until disturbed.
with a mean period of 15.6 ± 2.10 days (Table 1) which is
close agreement to the observation of Thobbi and Srihari 3.7 Total life span
(1967) [16] who reported that larval duration on castor was 14 The total life span of S. litura was 21 to 37 days with an
days. On contrary, Thomas et. al. (1969) [17] recorded that average of 34.85 ± 3.44days. The larval period ranged from
larval duration of S. litura on castor was 12.67 days. 12 to 22 days with a mean period of 15.6 ± 2.10 days (Table
1). Similary, Ramaiah and Maheswari (2018) recorded that
3.3 Pre-pupa life span of S. litura varied from 28.25 to 36.00 days with an
In pre-pupal stage, fully developed larvae do not feed, average of 32.13 ± 5.48 days. On contrary, Kanani (2013) [7]
become sluggish and enter inside the soil layer. Similar recorded that total average life span of S. litura was 37.60 ±
behavior was observed by Thomas et.al. (1969) [17]. The pre- 2.08 days varied from 35 to 41days.
pupal duration ranged from 1 to 2 days having a mean period
of 1.50 ± 0.50 days (Table 1) which was more or less similar Table 1: Development period of S. litura on castor hybrid DCH-177
to observed by Soni et. al. (2001) [15] that per-pupal period during 2018-19
was 2.06 days on castor. Duration (days)
Stage Range
3.3.1 Pupa Mean SD
(days)
The pupation took place 5 to 6 cm deep inside the soil Incubation
2.0-4.0 2.95 0.81
provided in cylindrical glass jar. The colour of pupae was period
light reddish (Plate VII) with the pupal duration varied from 6 I Instar 2.0-4.0 3.10 0.77
to 9 days having a mean period of 7.35 ± 0.80 days (Table 1). II Instar 3.0-5.0 3.40 0.67
Similar observation was observed by Patel et al. (1973) [11]. Larval period III Instar 3.0-5.0 3.75 0.95
On contrary, Maghodia (2005) [10] observed the mean pupal IV Instar 2.0-4.0 2.45 0.59
period of S. litura on castor was 9.10 days. The mean length V Instar 2.0-4.0 2.90 0.84
Total larval period 12.0-22.0 15.6 2.10
of pupae was 14.60 to 16.30 mm with an average of 14.20 ±
Prepupal period 1.0-2.0 1.50 0.50
0.68 mm while the breadth ranged from 4.84 to 6.76 with an
Pupal period 6.0-9.0 7.35 0.80
average of 5.46 ± 0.50 mm (Table 3) which is more or less Male 6.0-8.0 6.75 0.83
equal to observed by Ramaiah and Maheswari (2018). The Adult longevity
Female 7.0-9.0 8.15 0.79
pupa was obtect and having 2 small spines at the tip of Life Cycle (egg to emergence of adult) : 21-37 days (34.85 ±
abdomen with seven pairs of spiracles (Plate VIII). 3.44 days)
* Each data is the mean of 20 observations
3.4 Adult
Adult female moths were having stout body than male moths.
Same was stated by Kanani (2013) [7]. The female moth had
brown tuft of hairs at the abdominal tip while it was absent in
male (Plate IX). Similar appearance was observed by
Amaldoss and Hsue (1989) [1]. The length of female moth
ranged from 19.40 to 23.50 mm (21.57 ± 1.48 mm) with a
wing span of 37.2 to 39.00 mm (37.88 ± 0.55 mm). The male
moths were having a length of 18.30 to 21.50 mm (19.65 ±
0.94 mm) with a wing span of 36.80 to 38.00 mm with an
average of 37.55 ± 0.34 mm (Table 3).The male moths were
having a longevity of 6 to 8 days with an average of 6.75 ±
0.83 days while the female longevity varied from 7 to 9 days
with a mean period of 8.15 ± 0.79 days (Table 1). More or Plate I: (Isolated egg)
less similar observations were taken by Ramaiah and
Maheshwari (2018). The male moth was having ashy patch on
apical margin of forewings while it was absent in female.
Cardona et al. (2007) [3] observed that a bluish streak was
present on the forewing of male moth. Kanani (2013) [7]
observed that grey spot was present on forewings of male.
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Plate VI: (bright coloured strips) Plate IX: (Female anal tuft of hairs)
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Table 2: Adult emergence and sex ratio of S. litura on castor hybrid DCH-177 during 2018-19
Parameter Number
Total pupae 30
Adult emergence 26
Adult emergence (%) 86.66
sex ratio (M:F) 1 : 1.4
Male 11
Female 15
Table 3: Morphometric parameters of different life stages of S. litura castor hybrid DCH-177 during 2018-19
Length (mm) Breadth (mm)
Stage
Range Mean SD Range Mean SD
EGG (diameter) *0.41-0.42 *0.42 *0.01
I Instar 1.45-1.60 1.53 0.06 0.22-0.26 0.25 0.02
II Instar 3.91-5.10 4.53 0.43 0.44-0.55 0.52 0.04
Larva III Instar 10.63-13.09 12.07 0.82 1.46-1.55 1.51 0.04
IV Instar 22.30-23.70 23.03 0.58 2.92-4.11 3.57 0.43
V Instar 37.60-38.20 37.87 0.33 4.93-6.98 6.03 0.80
PUPA 14.60-16.30 14.20 0.68 4.84-6.77 5.46 0.50
Male 18.30-21.50 19.65 0.94 **36.8-38.00 **37.55 **0.34
Adult
Female 19.40-23.50 21.57 1.48 **37.2-39.00 **37.88 **0.55
n=20, *diameter of egg, **wing span
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