Feeding and performance of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), reared on nightshade and potato
Abstract
Larval feeding rates, growth rates of imrnatures, and adult fecundities were measured for Colorado potato beetle fed hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides) or potato (Solanum tuberosum). Hairy nightshade is an important economic weed in local agriculture. The larvae consumed more dry weight of potato foliage than nightshade. Developmental rate was higher for larvae fed potato than for those fed nightshade. Mortality was similar on the two hosts. Pupae and adults obtained from larvae reared on nightshade were significantly heavier than those from larvae reared on potato. There were no significant effects of the rearing host on adult female longevity. Fecundity, however, was higher for beetles fed on nightshade than those fed on potatoes. We conclude that hairy nightshade is an important alternative and acceptable host plant for the Colorado potato beetle.
Key words: Hairy nightshade; potato; development; foliage consumption; survival; adult longevity; fecundity
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