The biological characteristics and life table parameters of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) reared on different maize varieties.

Abstract

The Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) is a major polyphagous pest of stored food products causing serious quantity and quality losses. In this study, the life history of P. interpunctella was evaluated on different maize varieties, including Simon, Valbom, 703, BK, and BC678. The preadult duration for P. interpunctella were 35.5, 43.1, 39.2, 43.4, and 36.8 d on Simon, Valbom, 703, BK, and BC678, respectively. The mean total longevity on Valbom was 52.2 d which was significantly longer than the 41.8 d on Simon (P = 0.012). The developmental period of moths was the most prolonged on Valbom indicating low nutritional suitability of this variety. However, the moths preferred Valbom for oviposition, and more than 132 eggs were laid on this variety. The most intrinsic rate of increase (r) was reported on BC678 and Simon, while the lowest population growth rate was on BK and Valbom. The highest r value on BC678 and Simon could be due to their high moisture and protein content. Based on the shorter preadult, total preoviposition period, mean generation time and higher life table parameters (gross reproductive rate, r, and λ) that occurred on the BC678, make this variety most favorable host for P. interpunctella. The findings highlighted the importance of maize variety selection in managing this pest in stored food products.