Growth regulatory effect of hydroquinone on the larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)

Abstract

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of the plant compound hydroquinone on the growth and development of the second instar larvae of tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), a polyphagous noctuid with high reproductive potential and ability to migrate long distances as adults. The effect was ascertained by feeding second instar larvae on artificial diet incorporated with different concentrations (1ppm, 5ppm, 25ppm, 125ppm, 625ppm, 3125ppm) of hydroquinone and water as control. The present findings revealed that the performance of S. litura larvae is related to the content of hydroquinone with higher concentrations exhibiting a deterrent effect on its growth and development. The toxicity of the compound was also evident from the various aberrations observed in the larvae of S. litura. Thus our study suggest that hydroquinone can be used as an alternate ecofriendly, biodegradable and safe alternative to conventional pesticides.