Comparative Study of Pink Bollworm Biology on Artificial Diet and Okra

The study investigated the comparative biology of pink bollworm (PBW) reared on artificial diet and okra under controlled laboratory conditions with the temperature (27 ± 2 °C), relative humidity (65 ± 5%), and a 14:10 hours light-dark photoperiod during 2021-22 at ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur.The results indicated no significant difference in egg incubation, larval, prepupal, pupal, and oviposition periods between PBW reared on artificial diet and okra.However, adult longevity, total life cycle duration, and oviposition-related parameters exhibited significant differences.The study also highlighted differences in prepupal and pupal periods, with significant variations in adult longevity.Furthermore, the research demonstrated variations in fecundity and the highest number eggs laid when reared on artificial diet (126.19 ± 13.47) as compared to okra (91.95 ± 6.57).A higher percentage of egg hatching (88.70%) was observed in eggs laid by adults that were fed on an artificial diet, in contrast to pink bollworms fed on okra (84.90 %).Similarly, the percentage of adult emergence and survival rate was greatest (89.64% and 87.48%, respectively) in pink bollworms nourished with an artificial diet compared to those fed on okra (81.34% and 74.16 %, respectively).The total life cycle duration was found to be longer on artificial diet (40.92±4.89)compared to okra (38.60±3.60),emphasizing the influence of diet on PBW development.Overall, this investigation provides valuable insights into the biology and development of pink bollworm in relation to different food sources.