Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larval Development and Adult Fecundity on Five Grass Hosts 1

Abstract

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), larvae were reared in the laboratory on five host plants and on artificial bean diet. The most suitable hosts for fall armyworm development, as determined by a host suitability index, were goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., and coastal bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. The least suitable host was yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. Significant differences were noted in larval duration, consumption, pupal weight, pupal duration, adult longevity, and fecundity between larvae reared on the various host plants. Additionally, pupal duration (five of six treatments) and adult longevity (one of six treatments) were sex dependent. Females reared on all diets except artificial diet oviposited the greatest number of eggs on day 1 of oviposition. Those reared on artificial diet exhibited peak oviposition on day 2.