Oviposition by Heliothis on Soybeans and Cotton12

Abstract

Oviposition on soybeans and cotton by Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.) was studied in the green-house and in field cages containing soybean or soybean and cotton plants. Both species preferred cotton over soybeans for oviposition. Seasonal variations in egg-laying preference for these 2 host plants were exhibited by both insects. They often preferred the pubescent lower leaf surface to the upper leaf surface stems or pods of soybeans. Egg-laying by both species on soybeans occurred in the upper ⅔ of the plant, whereas oviposition in cotton occurred in the upper ⅓ of the plant.