Abstract
The effects of rearing temperature, dietary moisture, and dietary pH on black cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon) growth and food utilization were investigated using an artificial diet. Parameters measured were consumptive rate, larval weight gain, assimilation, and efficiency of food conversion. All three experimental treatments decreased larval growth to some degree, when tested above or below an optimal level. Under each treatment regime there was a relatively broad peak for black cutworm development, on either side of which at least one parameter of nutritional performance declined. Below 25°C, the percentage of food assimilated was greater than at temperatures of 25°C and above. Conversion of food and larval growth rate however, were highest at approx 27°C. Food consumption, larval weight gain, and conversion of food were found to be inversely proportional to increases in the percentage dry matter of the diet. These results also indicated that black cutworms are capable of regulating larval and faecal moisture levels. Alkaline and acidic diets slightly altered weight gain, assimilation, and conversion depending upon the compound used to adjust the pH. Some regulation of the insects faecal pH was also detected.
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