The effect of some cowpea varieties on the development and survival of larvae of the seed moth, Cydia ptychora (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

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Abstract
In studies in Nigeria, survival and weight increase of the larvae of Cydia ptychora (Meyr.) were affected by the variety of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on which they fed. The weights of fifth-instar larvae immediately prior to pupation and the amount of fresh food ingested were similar on three varieties when loose seeds were fed, but in a more natural situation, larvae appeared to face a manoeuvrability problem in small pods, which resulted in reduced weight gain. Differences in weight due to diet were less pronounced in emerging adults. Larval mortality was greatest on two varieties with large pods and may have been related to the nutritional quality of mature seeds or the presence of toxic chemicals. Some first-instar larvae died during the pod-boring process, particularly in the variety Vita-5. Two known susceptible varieties produced a moderate-to-small degree of mortality and large females. Significantly greater weight was attained when larvae fed for five days on 10-day-old seed followed by 15-day-old seed, or on 15-day-old seed throughout, than on 15-day-old seed followed by dried seed, or on 10-day-old seed throughout. Ovipositing females seemingly select pods of an age that minimises exposure of young larvae to drying or fully dried seed, which is a relatively unsuitable diet.