Role of Chorchorus capsularis phytochemicals on the feeding dynamics of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Abstract

The role of jute leaf phytochemicals on feeding, growth and reproduction of Diacrisia casignetum Kollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) was studied under laboratory conditions. The larval and post larval developmental duration was shorter on mature jute leaf fed insects whereas adult longevity was higher in it (P < 0.05) relative to young and senescent leaf fed insects. Fecundity of D. casignetum was also highest on mature leaves followed by young and senescent leaves. The growth and development of D. casignetum were related to the nutrient content relative to the secondary metabolites of these three types of jute leaves. Higher levels of nutritional factors (total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen and amino acids including water content) and lower levels of anti-nutritional factors (secondary metabolites) in mature jute leaves have influenced lower developmental time along with higher growth rate, fecundity and accumulated survivability of D. casignetum than the young and senescent leaves.