EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT HOST-PLANT COMPONENTS ON BIOLOGICAL INDICES IN Spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive pest that is ravaging crops in many provinces of China. In order to specifically control this invasive pest, understanding of the relationship between the insect and hosts is necessary. In this study, we have compared the biological indices of S. frugiperda by feeding it with five different host-plants (Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Digitaria sanguinalis, Glycine max and Eleusine indica) under laboratory conditions. The biological indices of S. frugiperda feeding on Z. mays were the best. The pupa weight and fecundity of S. frugiperda fed with G. max and E. indica were significantly lower than those fed with other hosts. The host total phenol content was negatively correlated with the growth and development of S. frugiperda, while the C/N ratio was positively correlated. When fed on different plants, the biological indices of S. frugiperda were different, but the insect completed its life cycle in any host. Therefore, S. frugiperda also has a tendency to feed on other hosts, especially plants with high C/N content, when Z. mays is insufficient.