Effects of Green Cloverworm Larval Intensity on Consumption of Soybean Leaf Tissue12

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Larvae of Plathypena scabra (F.) were studied in the laboratory to determine the effect of population intensity on soybean leaf consumption. Data also were gathered on pupal weight, efficiency of food conversion, egg to adult stadia, and survivorship. Results showed that larvae reared in populations of 2 and 3 larvae/container consumed a maximum of 12.1 and 28.3% less leaf tissue than those reared singly in 2 of 4 trials. This effect was caused by a limited food supply, with no significant differences occurring in trials where food was abundant. Reduced consumption was accompanied by significantly shorter egg to adult stadia. In relating consumption data from experimental intensities to approximated populations in the field, it was evident that a linear relationship exists between leaf consumption and larval intensity at and below the economic-injury level.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: