Effect of Diflubenzuron on Reproduction of Tobacco Caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Topical application of different doses of diflubenzuron (chitin synthesis inhibitor) was made on freshy emerged unmated adults of Spodoptera litura (Fab). The treated moths were allowed to mate and breed further with the treated and untreated counterparts in different combinations to study the effect of diflubenzuron on reproductive potential of S. litura. The oviposition period, fecundity and longevity of mated and unmated adults of both sexes were decreased with the increase in dose of diflubenzuron. However, egg viability was not affected with diflubenzuron. Maximum detrimental effects were observed in cross three, wherein both the sexes were treated.