Biology of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) at Room Temperature

The present study investigates the biology of the brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Gue.) under normal room temperature conditions during 2022 and 2023. Key developmental parameters, including egg hatching, larval and pupal duration, fecundity and total life span, were recorded. Egg hatching percentage remained consistent at 54%, with an incubation period of 3-5 days (3.6 ± 0.40 days). The total larval period was 12.4 ± 0.60 days in 2022 and 13.4 ± 0.68 days in 2023, while the pupal period remained stable at 9 ± 0.45 days. The total developmental period varied from 23-30 days (26.4 ± 1.21 days) in 2022 to 22-26 days (23.8 ± 0.66 days) in 2023. Female fecundity ranged from 148-257 eggs (193.6 ± 23.82) in 2022 and 139-267 eggs (202 ± 25.52) in 2023. The sex ratio (Male: Female) varied slightly, being 0.83:1 in 2022 and 0.67:1 in 2023. The total lifespan was longer for females (31 days in 2022, 28.5 days in 2023) than males (29.5 days in 2022, 27 days in 2023).