Abstract
Foliage consumption and survival of late-stage larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.), were studied in relation to intraspecific competition and parasitization by Apanteles congregatus (Say) on postharvest tobacco. Over 70% of 5th-stage larvae which had attained only 1/2 the expected prepupal weight were able to pupate. Reductions in feeding were as much as 20-fold for some parasitized larvae. The rate of development and survival of hornworm larvae were affected by the amount and quality of sucker growth, as influenced by the preharvest use of maleic hydrazide (a systemic plant growth inhibitor). Depletion of foliage under heavy feeding pressure induced feeding on flowers and unopened seed heads, food of marginal suitability for development and survival. Compensation by the host plant for foliage loss to hornworm feeding was displayed by an increased succulence of foliage and an abundance of more suckers following defoliation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
