Effect of Soybean Germplasm on the Growth of <i>Spodoptera litura</i> (F)

The present study analysed various parameters like nutritional indices, larval and pupal period, weight and survival of Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (F) on eight soybean germplasm. There were considerable variations among the germplasm in terms of larval weight, with JS 335, NRC-152, DS-9421, and DS-3108 supporting increased weights, indicating susceptibility of these genotypes. In contrast, VL-99, Himso-1689, NRC-149, and JS21-72 supported lower larval weights, indicating resistance and similar patterns in pupal weights were also observed. The larval period was longer for Himso-1689, JS-335, NRC-152, and VL-99, while NRC-149, JS21-72, DS-9421, and DS-3108 had shorter periods. Larval survival rates ranged from 33.33 to 93.33%, with JS21-72 and JS-335 showing the highest rates. Pupal periods were shorter for NRC-152, JS21-72 while DS-9421 and NRC-149 had longer periods. The nutritional indices of JS-335, NRC-152, and JS21-72 exhibited higher values for Efficiency of Conversion Index (ECI) and Efficiency of Conversion of Digested food (ECD). It was found that JS-335, NRC-152, and DS-9421 were the most susceptible germplasm.