Effect of Host Plant on Survivability, Development and Reproductive Potential of Cotton Stainer Bug Dysdercus koenigii (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

Red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii F. (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is a serious destructive pest of a large number of economically important crops including cotton. Being pest of many important crops, the present study was intended to investigate the comparative survivability, developmental rates, weight gain and reproductive potential of D. koenigii on five different host plant species, namely, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) yellow corn, (Zea mays) castor (Ricinus communis) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) under laboratory conditions. Maximum nymphal survivability, high nymphal weight, maximum egg production and egg hatching as well as shortest nymphal duration were observed on cotton as compared to okra, ground nut and yellow corn; however, castor was recorded as very poor host plant that could not support the survival and development of D. koenigii beyond 3rd instar. The adults emerged from the cotton and okra fed nymphs mates 3–4 times in their total life span, whereas only 1–2 time mating was observed in those adults that emerged from ground nut and yellow cord-fed nymphs. On the basis of nymphal and adult survivability, weight gain, egg production, egg hatching and longevity, the cotton (G. hirsutum) was regarded as a best host plant followed by okra (A. esculentus), ground nut (A. hypogaea) and yellow corn (Z. mays). The knowledge obtained during this study regarding food preference of D. koenigii may help in devising IPM strategies in cotton fields adjacent to or near vegetative fields containing alternative host plant.