Effects and correlation analysis of different host-plant components on
physiological indexes in Spodoptera frugiperda
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive pest that
ravaging crops in many provinces of China. In order to specifically
control this invasive pest, understanding of the relationship between
the insect and the host is necessary. In this study, we have compared
the biological and nutritional indexes of S. frugiperda by feeding it
with five different host-plants (Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Digitaria
sanguinalis, Glycine max and Eleusine indica). The biological and
nutritional indexes of Z. mays feeding S. frugiperda were the best.
However, the pupa weight and fecundity of S. frugiperda fed with G. max
and E. indica were significantly lower than those fed with other hosts,
efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and efficiency of
conversion of ingested food (ECI) were also lower than others. The total
phenol content was negatively correlated with the biological and
nutritional indexes of S. frugiperda, while the C/N content was
positively correlated. When fed on different host plants, the biological
and nutritional indexes of S. frugiperda were different, but all of them
could complete the life cycle. Therefore, in the absence of Z. mays, the
S. frugiperda may also harm other host plants, and host plants with high
C/N content can also with the risk of being infected.