Comparative Biological and Morphometric Attributes ofEpilachna vigintioctopunctataFabr. on Brinjal and Bitter Gourd

Abstract

Our study highlights the development of hadda beetle on selected plants of cucurbitaceae and solanaceae family that hold agricultural significance viz., Solanum melongena and Momordica charantia. Results indicate that the growth and development of E. vigintioctopunctata on S. melongena expedite better development of different grub stages as compared with M. charantia. The developmental duration of different growth stages of the pest was found to be shorter on the leaves of brinjal as compared to bitter gourd where it was somewhat prolonged, this can be coupled with fact that food with high nutrients resulted quick development of grubs. Fecundity, per cent viability and survival percentage of eggs and adults was higher on the leaves of brinjal when compared with leaves of bitter gourd. Therefore, assuming the co-existance of both the hosts in agro-ecosystem, hadda beetle is more likely to prefer S. melongena over M. charantia.