Development and Survival of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Short-Duration Pigeonpea

Larvae of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner were reared on Rowers, pods, and leaves of six short-duration pigeon pea genotypes (ICPL 86005, ICPL 86015, ICPL 86012, ICPL 87101, ICPL 88023, and ICPL 87) under laboratory conditions to study the effect of host plant and different plant parts on growth and survival. Larval and pupal weights were significantly higher, larval developmental period significantly shorter, and adult lifespan significantly longer when larvae were reared on pods compared with Rowers or leaves. Lowest larval and pupal weight, longest larval developmental period, and shortest adult lifespan were observed when larvae were reared on leaves. Larvae reared on ICPL 87 had the shortest larval developmental time, the highest larval and pupal weights, and the longest adult lifespan. Larvae reared on ICPL 86012 had the lowest larval weight and longest larval period, and larvae reared on ICPL 86005 had the lowest pupal weight and longest pupal period. The effect of these differences on H. armigera population dynamics and the potential impact on pigeonpea are discussed.