Adaptation of artificial diets for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at laboratory rearing

Abstract

25Helicoverpa armigera is an important pest of crops worldwide, and several studies have 26 focused on the development of artificial diets for this species. However, studies evaluating the 27 insect´s performance at nutritionally different diets are scarce. Larval development is dependent on 28 the ratio of protein and carbohydrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biology and to 29 compare the consumption and use of food of H. armigera larvae on diets with different protein 30 levels. The nutritional index, the relative consumption rate, the relative metabolic rate, the relative 31 growth rate, and the apparent digestibility were higher in the diet with added protein. On the other 32 hand, the conversion efficiency of digested food was lower, resulting in a higher metabolic cost. In