Feeding Behavior and Food Preference of Red Pumpkin Beetle, Aulacophora Foveicollis

Abstract

The experiment was laid out in the completely randomized design (CRD) and mean values were ranked by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Three cucurbit hosts such as sweet gourd, bottle gourd and bitter gourd were selected to conduct this research work. Host suitability was measured following force feeding and choice feeding bioassays. Under laboratory condition, feeding behavior and food preference were studied on three different host plants viz. sweet gourd, bottle gourd and bitter gourd. Food consumption by the larva and the adult was highest on sweet gourd (19600 ±7.9mm2, 1944.33±89.51 mm2) followed by bottle gourd (185.00 ± 12.29 mm2, 1657.00 ± 62.80 mm2). In case of bitter gourd the larvae died aftertwo days of release and the lowest food consumption (8.00 ± 1.53 mm2) was found by adult. The larval duration and the adult duration were highest on bottle gourd (20.67 ± 0.99 days, 43.33 ± 0.88 days) followed by sweet gourd (16.67 ± 0.99 days, 40.33 ± 0.88 days). Considering food consumption, sweet gourd appeared to be the best suitable host plant among the three different host plants for Aulacophora foveicollis. The study will help researcher, agricultural policy maker and agricultural extension worker for effective pest management, developing resistant variety and cost effective pesticides.