Population dynamics of spodoptera litura on castor, Ricinus communis

Abstract

Population dynamics of leaf eating caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) on castor, Ricinus communis L. cultivated in middle Gujarat agroclimatic conditions. The higher eggs and larval populations as well as leaf damage caused by S. litura to castor plants was found in the third and fourth week of November, whereas the lower population and leaf damage was observed in the first and second week of October. Among the various abiotic factors minimum temperature, vapour pressure (morning & evening) and RH (evening) were found most influencing factors showed negative effect on oviposition behaviour andiarval development of S. litura. The maximum temperature showed significant negative influence on oviposition by S. litura.