Biology and Morphometric Study of Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer <i>Earias Vitella</i> (F.)

Abstract

Investigations on biology of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vitella) on okra revealed that the freshly laid eggs were spherical, bluish green and finally become brownish. These measured 0.52± 0.02 x 0.51± 0.02 mm.The incubation period was 3.35± 0.76 days, and larval stage passed through four instars. The first,second, third and fourth instar was 2.16± 0.71, 1.43± 0.50, 2.26± 0.73 and 3.30±1.02 days, respectivelywith the total larval period of 9.13± 1.71 days. These were measured 1.77± 0.28, 2.60± 0.40, 6.45± 0.56 and14.15± 2.12 mm long respectively and 0.27± 0.03, 0.36± 0.08, 1.24± 0.07 and 3.23± 0.51 mm, respectivelyin breadth. The pre-pupa lasted for 1.43± 0.50 days. The male and female pupa measured 9.78± 0.46 mmand 3.14± 0.31 mm, 10.14± 0.69 mm and 3.37± 0.09 mm, respectively, with duration of 7.90± 0.92 and7.53± 0.50 days, respectively. The adult male measured 9.13± 0.41 mm in length and 21.02± 0.98 mm inbreadth with expanded wings. Whereas, female 10.71± 1.14 mm in length and 22.30± 1.48 mm in breadthwith expanded wings. The preoviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 1.50± 0.68, 6.00±1.33 and 4.30± 1.53 days, respectively. The fecundity was 265.00± 86.75 eggs/ female. The total lifecycleof male was 30.51± 6.00 days, while in female it was 32.60± 5.59 days.