Influence of Host Plant on Deterrence by Azadirachtin of Feeding by Fall Armyworm Larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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Abstract
The tetranortriterpenoid azadirachtin, a derivative of neem, caused more inhibition of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), larval feeding on cotton seedling foliage compared with lima bean seedling foliage. This difference may be related to the relative proportions and interactions of naturally occurring stimulants and deterrents in the plants, because two-way choice tests demonstrated that lima beans are the preferred host. Although azadirachtin does not strongly deter feeding by fall armyworm larvae on lima beans, properties of this chemical inhibit their growth and provide good crop protection within 7 d. Implications of these results for the use of feeding deterrents and other naturally occurring compounds as crop-protection agents are discussed.