Performance of a Lepidopteran Pest Complex (Langosta) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Sorghum, Maize, and Noncrop Vegetation in Honduras

Abstract

Feeding performance of Spodoptera latifascia (Walker), S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and Metaponpneumata rogenhoferi (Moschler) larvae was investigated in the laboratory. Leaves of seedling or mature sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poaceae); maize, Zea mays (L.) (Poaceae); Ixophorus unisetus (Presl) Schlecht (Poaceae); four broadleaf noncrop species; and artificial diet were tested. Based on larval and pupal weights, survival, and developmental times, Amaranthus sp., probably A. hybridus L. or A. viridis L. (Amaranthacea) and Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacacea) were the most suitable hosts (of plants tested) for S. latifascia larvae, and sorghum, maize, and I. unisetus were the poorest hosts. Diet or plant growth stage did not affect sex ratio, adult longevity, or fecundity. Larvae fed leaves of seedling or mature Amaranthus sp., P. oleracea, Ipomoea sp. \[probably I. purpurea (L.) Roth\] (Convolvulaceae), or maize differed in measures of the above biological parameters. Pupal weights of M. rogenhoferi larvae fed Amaranthus sp., Melampodium divaricatum (Rich, expers.) Dc. (Asteraceae), and P. oleracea were higher than those of larvae fed I. unisetus , sorghum, or maize. Survival and sex ratio were similar on all diets. Higher larval weight was observed on maize compared with sorghum. S. frugiperda larval weight was highest on maize, and lowest on Ipomoea sp. Our results indicate that sorghum and maize may serve as sink habitats (where populations decline) for S. latifascia and M. rogenhoferi ; source habitats (where populations originate) appear to be noncrop vegetation. Appropriate weed management during the crop growing season may reduce potential pest populations and crop damage.