Photoperiodic Regulation of Growth and Development in Stink Bug <i>Plautia crossota</i> (Dallas)

The present investigation was conducted in a laboratory to study the effect of variable photoperiods on the development of the stink bug Plautia crossota (Dallas). Three different photoperiods viz. 10L/14D, 12L/12D and 14L/ 10D were tested. Longer photo phase (14L/ 10D) resulted in a shorter development period in P. crossota and the mortality was significantly (P<0.0001) lesser than in the short-day photo regime. Developmental delays observed in bugs reared in shorter daylength (10L/ 14D) are common in insects to adapt to their environment. Understanding of photoperiodic control in P. crossota, could be utilised to develop an understanding about the distribution pattern of insect and develop effective, ecofriendly pest management strategies.