Bionomics of Spodoptera Litura (Fabricius) on capsicum under open and polyhouse conditions

The life cycle of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) was studied under open and protected (polyhouse) environment on capsicum. It was observed completing nine generations under open environment, while it was eleven under polyhouse conditions. The incubation, larval period, prepupal and pupal periods, male and female longevity, preoviposition, oviposition period and post-oviposition periods, fecundity and sex ratio (male: female) details were documented and the variations brought out. The growth indices, i.e., mean values of larval growth index (LGI) and total growth index (TGI) were 3.47 and 1.70, respectively, and thus maximum in polyhouse.