Host preference of Bihar hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua in laboratory condition

Abstract

Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua) is a serious polyphagous insect pest. An experiment was conducted to determine the host preference of Bihar hairy caterpillar in Entomology laboratory, Lamjung Campus at room temperature from March to April, 2019. The experiment was conducted in CRD with seven treatments namely; Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Cauliflower (Brassicae oleracae var. botrytis), Cabbage (Brassicae oleracae var. capitata), Broccoli (Brassicae oleracae var. italica), Mulberry (Morus alba), Castor (Ricinus communis), Broad bean (Vicia faba). Five pure cultured larvae were set in each plastic jar containing respective plant sample. All the host plants showed highly significant difference at 1% level of significance. The first instar larvae fed highly in cabbage (13.2g) and least on castor (6.07g) where as in the later stages the larvae preferred broad bean more followed by the cabbage and other crucifers where as the least consumption was seen in mulberry and castor throughout the entire larval period. The time taken to reach the pupal stage was shortest in broad bean and cabbage i.e. within 14 days conversely the pupal stage was reached a lot later in castor and mulberry i.e. after 18 days.