Influence of host plant in fecundity, fertility and longevity of potato tuber moth

Abstract

The mean duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, the fecundity and fertility of the females were determined, as well as the longevity of adults, when larvae of potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) were fed with leaves of Solanum tuberosum ('Bintje') and Nicotiana tabacum ('Burley' and 'Amarelinho'). When larvae were fed with leaves of 'Burley' tobacco, the adult females presented less fecundity and fertility, but the longevity of adults was greater, showing that the 'Burley' variety is not favorable for this species.