Biological Parameters and Life Table Statistics of Chrysodeixis chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Different Host Plants

Abstract

Biological parameters and life table statistics of Chrysodeixis chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were evaluated on different host plants to determine host suitability and its influence on population performance. Laboratory experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions, where larval development, survival rate, pupation success, adult longevity, and fecundity were recorded across selected host plant species. Results indicated significant variation in biological performance depending on host plant quality. Hosts with higher nutritional suitability supported faster larval development, increased survival rates, and higher adult emergence, while less suitable hosts resulted in prolonged developmental duration and increased mortality. Life table analysis revealed marked differences in net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and generation time among host plants, demonstrating strong host-dependent population growth potential. Optimal host plants facilitated rapid population expansion, whereas suboptimal hosts restricted reproductive output and delayed population buildup. Sex ratio and adult longevity also varied across treatments, further influencing population dynamics. The study highlights the critical role of host plant selection in shaping the biological fitness and demographic parameters of C. chalcites. These findings provide valuable insights into pest population ecology and support the development of targeted integrated pest management strategies, including host plant resistance and crop selection to suppress C. chalcites outbreaks in agricultural systems.