Morphological, biological and molecular description of Spodoptera litura infesting grapevines in tropical climate of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Biological and molecular characterization and morphological description along with pictorial presentation of different life stages of Spodoptera species infesting grapevines in Maharashtra, India is presented in this article. The insect pest was identified as Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) based on morphological features and molecular characterization through mt COI gene. The mean duration of the egg, larval, pupal and adult stages of S. litura recorded as 5-7 days, 20-23 days, 4-6 days and 9-12 days respectively. The net reproductive rate was 499.2. The innate capacity (rm) and finite rate (λ) for increase in numbers was calculated 0.101 and 1.261 females/female/day, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase was relatively higher (0.1525) representing the suitability of the grapevine host for the survival and development of the insect. The life table analysis of the S. litura indicated the survivorship of the insect coincided with that of type II showing high hatchability of the eggs and higher mortality of the larval stages, particularly at the later instars followed by relatively lower deaths toward the younger stages. The study showed the vulnerability of the larval stages of S. litura towards which the management measures can be targeted.