Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-18-2023
Abstract
Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly mobile and polyphagous pest known to feed on over 300 cultivated and wild host plant species. Larvae cause significant economic damage to several commercial row crops over multiple generations each growing season. The objective of this study was to compare biological fitness of H. zea on 5 weedy host plants commonly found across the mid-south US. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), kudzu (Pueraria montana [Lour.] Merr. (all Fabaceae), and honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.; Caprifoliaceae) were evaluated as primary food sources for H. zea under laboratory conditions at 27 ± 0.5 °C, a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%, and a 14:10 h (L:D) photoperiod. This study measures the development, biomass, survival, and fecundity of H. zea when reared on the reproductive tissues of 5 common weeds. Larvae of H. zea successfully developed on all 5 weeds to adulthood, but significant mortality (> 50%) was observed for larvae reared on hairy vetch, honeysuckle, and kudzu. Larval developmental periods ranged from 30 d to 39 d for H. zea reared on honeysuckle and white clover, respectively. Pupal biomass ranged 158.1 mg to 161.2 mg for individuals reared on hairy vetch, followed by 196.2 mg to 202.8 mg on crimson clover, and 204.6 to 217.4 mg for individuals on white clover, honeysuckle, and kudzu collectively. Pupal emergence varied from 92.1% to 61.8% for crimson clover and hairy vetch, respectively. Larval mortality varied from 25.3% on crimson clover to 68.9% for hairy vetch. Average adult longevity ranged from 10 d to 11 d for females and males reared on crimson clover to 4 d on kudzu and 4 d on white clover for female and male, respectively. The average number of eggs laid by females reared on crimson clover, white clover, hairy vetch, honeysuckle, and kudzu were 553.5, 512.3, 288.2, 194.7, and 142.2, respectively. Our findings indicate crimson and white clover were among the most suitable hosts, and kudzu the most unsuitable based on larval mortality and reproductive capability.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Florida Entomologist
First Page
45
Last Page
50
Recommended Citation
Glover, J., Portilla, M., & Reddy, G. (2023). Development, Survival, and Fecundity of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Five Weedy Host Plants Common across the Mid-South USA. Florida Entomologist, 106 (1), 45-50. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.106.0107