Oviposition preference by the black cowpea moth, Cydia ptychora (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), for different varieties of cowpea

Abstract

AbstractIn tests in Nigeria with its principal host-plant, cowpea, Cydia ptychora (Meyr.) showed distinct oviposition preferences. Most of the eggs were laid on the sepals (including their remains on pods) in screenhouse tests involving four varieties. There were distinct differences in the number of eggs laid on different varieties in both no-choice tests with four or five varieties and free-choice tests with 17 varieties in the field. Vita-3 was the preferred variety in the laboratory tests and H 13–1 in the larger comparisons in the field. Fewest eggs were deposited on Tvu 2994 in all tests.