Ontogenetic Changes in the Feeding Behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera Larvae on Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Flowers and Pods.

ABSTRACT: Despite substantial research examining caterpillar-plant interactions, changes in the feeding behaviour of lepidopteran larvae as they develop are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated ontogenetic changes in the behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera larvae feeding on reproductive structures of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan). Specifically, we examined the preference for and avoidance of pigeonpea flowers and pods of first, second, third, and fourth instar H. armigera larvae. We also conducted a no-choice assay to compare the ability of third and fourth instar larvae to penetrate pigeonpea pod walls, which act as a physical defence against herbivory. When presented with a choice between pigeonpea pods and flowers, different instars behaved differently. First and secon

SUBMITTER: Volp TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10935201 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature