Biology of Tobacco Caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.) on Different Host Plants

The biology of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.) was studied on ten different hosts. On the basis of larval period, larval weight, pupal period, pupal weight, survival per cent, sex ratio, oviposition period, incubation period, fecundity, growth and development index values, the cauliflower host was found as the most preferred host (growth index 8.79, development index 3.22, per cent survival 74.66, larval period 11.00 day, pupal period 10.25 and pupal weight 377.00 Mg) followed by cabbage growth index 5.84, development index 2.6 and survival per cent 71.33. Pea, spinach, tobacco were found least preferred hosts and had retarding effects on the growth and development of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.) resulting in a prolonged larval period, least survival per cent, minimum larval and pupal weight and growth and development indices.