Banana Cut Worm

Spodoptera litura

Banana Cut Worm

Spodoptera litura

Banana Cut Worm

Spodoptera litura

Tobacco Cutworm (Spodoptera litura) – Impact of Temperature and Humidity

Introduction
The tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura) is a widespread agricultural pest that thrives in tropical and temperate regions. Its life cycle, development, and adult longevity are significantly influenced by temperature and humidity levels.

1. Temperature Effects

• Development:

  • Egg hatching time decreases as temperature increases.

• Life Cycle Duration:

  • At 15°C, it takes 106.29 days for an egg to develop into an adult on soybean.
  • At 35°C, development time shortens to 22.47 days.

• Adult Longevity:

  • Decreases as temperature increases and humidity decreases.

2. Humidity Effects

• Life Cycle:

  • Varies with humidity—higher humidity may shorten the life cycle, while lower humidity can extend it.

• Adult Longevity:

  • Decreases in low humidity conditions.

3. Habitat

• Spodoptera litura is a general herbivore found on various host plants.
• Well-adapted to tropical and temperate regions.

4. Symptoms of Damage

• Young larvae:

  • Feed by scraping the lower surface of leaves.

• Mature larvae:

  • Feed voraciously at night on foliage, leading to severe crop damage.

5. Pest Identification

• Larva:

  • Pale greenish or brown with dark markings.

• Adult Moth:

  • Forewings: Yellow and purplish spots with wavy white markings.
  • Hindwings: Whitish with a brown patch along the margin.

Understanding the environmental influences on Spodoptera litura can help in better pest management and crop protection strategies.

Image Source: TNAU,Liknedin