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Forage Plant Host and Early Feeding Choices Affect Spodoptera litura Feeding, Development and Egg-Laying
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DOI：10.1111/eea.70097.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a significant pest across tropical and temperate regions. Although present in New Zealand since the 1970s, its range and impact are expected to grow with climate change. However, little is known about its distribution or host preferences in New Zealand, particularly regarding pasture plant species. We conducted laboratory experiments to assess S. litura feeding, development, and reproduction on forage species that are increasingly favoured for pastures due to their stress tolerance, nitrogen-fixation, or leaching mitigation abilities. The forage species tested were plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), chicory (Chicorium intybus L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and white clover (T. repens L.). The common weed species, dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.), was used as a positive control. Larvae were fed with cut leaves from one of the plant species to compare host quality. A second trial compared plantain, red clover, and both together. Leaf consumption, growth, and egg-laying were monitored. Larvae consumed more dock, plantain, and chicory per day than clovers, but with lower conversion efficiencies. Larvae reared on red clover from newly hatched took an average of 4 days longer to pupate, weighed 33% less at pupation, and laid 92% fewer eggs than those fed plantain. When given a choice, neonates initially settled equally on plantain and red clover. However, early feeding on red clover resulted in persistently lower larval weights, even after switching to better hosts. These effects did not carry through to pupation. These findings highlight the importance of host plant quality for insect herbivore performance. Identification of high- and low-quality host plants is a key step in mitigating the risks posed by this invasive and damaging pest. These results have important implications for pasture species selection and breeding under future climates.
Keywords:
agriculture
climate change adaptation
host plant quality
pasture
sleeper pest
tropical armyworm
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