Evaluation of the life cycle of fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on tomato as a natural diet under laboratory conditions

Introduction

Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) is an important vegetable grown all over the world and the place of origin of tomato is considered to be the South American Andes. Tomato plays an important role in keeping the human body healthy and Vitamin A and C are found in abundance in this tomato fruit. This tomato fruit is known as 'poor mans' orange (Singh et al. 2023) [1] . Per 100 gram ripe tomato fruits contains Vitamin C (31.0 mg), Vitamin A (320 IU) and Riboflavin (0.001 mg), Nicotinic acid (0.4 mg) and minerals viz., Potassium (114.0 mg), Sulphur (24.0 mg), Chlorine (38.0), Sodium (45.8 mg), Calcium (20.0 mg), phosphorus (36.0 mg), Iron (1.8 mg), Magnesium (15.0 mg), Copper (0.19 mg) (Aykroyd, 1963). In India, tomato occupies an area of 0.84 million hectare with production of 20.69 million metric tonnes (Horticulture Statistics Division, Department of Agriculture, Co-operation & Farmer's Welfare, 2021-22). Major tomato growing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Gujarat. In Uttar Pradesh, it occupies an area of 22.79 thousand hectare with production of 9.09 lakh metric tonnes (Singh et al. 2023) [1] . Here in our tomato crop fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera), white fly (Bemisia tabaci), leaf hopper (Amrasca devastans), aphid (Aphis gossypii), thrips (Thrips tabaci), leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii), and rad spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus) insect cause a lot of damage from nursery sowing of tomato till its harvesting and this pests cause harm at all stage. The most damaging insect in tomato crop in India is fruit borer which is also known as gram pod borer and also known as american cotton ball worm. Tomato is one of the important vegetable crops of India it is very seriously affected by the fruit borer (H. armigera) insect. For some years, a lot of research work has been done in India and abroad on the biology of the fruit borer (H.armigera) insect that infects tomato. In view of this work, a plan of investigation regarding the biology of this insect was made and conducted at the Entomology laboratory, Department of Entomology, School of Agriculture Science, Technology and Research, Sardar Patel University, Dongariya, Balaghat (M.P.) at present.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted in the Entomology laboratory, Department of Entomology, School of Agriculture Science, Technology and Research, Sardar Patel University, Dongariya, Balaghat (M. P.), in 2025. All techniques used in the experiment are discussed below.

Rearing of Helicoverpa armigera

Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera larvae were collected from the unsprayed tomato field of Student's Research Farm (SRF), School of Agriculture Science, Technology and Research, Sardar Patel University, Dongariya, Balaghat . The collected larvae were reared in the laboratory on leaves and fruits of tomato. To protect the larvae of this insect from cannibalism, they were kept individually in plastic tubes with closed lids whose diameter was 4.2 x 5.4 cm. Tomato leaves, fruits and plastic tubes were changed daily to maintain sanitation. The larvae kept in all the tubes were teken out the for the emergence of its adults, they were kept in saprate cages whose langth was 30 cm, height was 30 cm and width was 30 cm. All these were kept in Petri dish inside the cage. After the adult male and female came out, they were kept together in a cage for mating. The tomato plant with young leaves and fruits were placed inside the cage for egg laying. Absorbent cotton dipped in 10 percent honey solution was served as food for the adults. The freshly laid eggs on leaves and fruits were used for further studies.

Larva period

The larvae were raised in separate plastic tubes with soft, fresh leaves or fruits as food, and the quantity and length of each larval instar as well as the overall larval time were recorded. Every morning, the plastic tubes and food were replaced. Cast-off exuvia and larger larvae in future instars were signs that the moulting had occurred. The size, form, and colour of the larvae in each instar were examined. Stage and an ocular micrometre were used to measure the length and width of each larval instar. The quantity of instars, length of each instar, and overall larval time were all noted separately. From the time the egg hatched to the conclusion of the last instar, the total larval duration was determined.

Pre pupal period

For Ten larvae, the amount of time required between the point at which they stop eating and the development of pupa was calculated, yielding the average pre-pupal duration.

Pupal period

To investigate the pupal stage of tomato fruit borer, ten new born pupae were observed in a plastic box until the adult stage emerged and then the average time of all the pupae was examined and the length and width of all these pupae stages were also measured in micrometers scale was measured.

Adult longevity

The sexes of the adults were assigned to different cages, and the adult moths were fed on cotton soaked in a ten percent honey solution. By examining how long it took for ten male and female individuals to emerge and die as adults, the length of their life span was determined. Thus, it has been possible to compute the average lifespan of the male and female moths.

Adult morphometrics

A total of ten adult insects of tomato fruit borer were taken and micrometer scale was used to their measure the length and width of their body and then their body figures were calculated.

Life cycle

The total time required to complete the life cycle of this insect tomato fruit borer insect was calculated based on the duration of larval, pre-pupa, pupa, and adult stages.

Results and Discussion

All results about this tomato fruit borer insect are presented and discussed below:

Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods

The pre-oviposition, oviposition and postoviposition period were recorded and the results are presented in Table 1. It was found that the pre-oviposition period was in range of 2 to 3 days with a mean of 2.40±0.52 days. The oviposition period was found to be in between 4 to 8 days with a mean of 5.6±1.35 days. The post-oviposition period was observed only for 1 to 3 days with a mean of 1.6±0.70 days. (Kumar et al., 2013) [4] also reported the pre-oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods ranged from 2.17-3.17, 5.28-6.96 and 1.11-1.32 days, respectively. (Singh et al., 2023) [1] according to their finding, pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period of fruit borer on tomato lasted for 2.46±0.29, 6.33±0.14 and 1.67±0.14 days, respectively.

Fecundity

The observed data showed that the total number of eggs a female laid throughout the course of her life time ranged from 311 to 674 with an average of 474.4±119.14 (Table 1). (Kumar et al., 2013) [4] also reported the fecundity/female ranged from 249.15-429.51 eggs. (Sharma et al., 2019) [5] according to the finding, fecundity of insect was 490.20±77.87 eggs laid per female.

Eggs

In the current research, the newly laid eggs looked yellowish white in colour, turned to deep yellow after a day and became dark brown prior to hatching. The average langth of eggs found to be in range of 0.42 millimetre to 0.65 millimetre with an average of 0.52±0.08 millimetre. The average breadth of eggs found to be in range of 0.36 mm to 0.56 mm with an average of 0.45±0.07 mm (Table 2). (Rabari et al., 2017) [3] according to the length and breadth of eggs were recorded maximum (0.52±0.02 and 0.53±0.03 mm) for post Rabi season, while minimum for Rabi season with 0.47±0.02 and 0.50±0.03 mm, respectively. According to (Singh et al., 2023) [1] average length of eggs found to be in range of 0.43 mm to 0.64 mm with an average of 0.53±0.062 millimetre. The average breadth of eggs found to be in range of 0.36 millimetre to 0.54 millimetre with an average of 0.46±0.063 millimetre.

Incubation period

The incubation period was found to be in range of 3 to 5 days with mean of 3.08±0.79 days (Table -3). According to (Gusain et al., 2023) [2] The incubation period ranged from 3 to 6 days, with an average of 4.66±0.88 days. (Singh et al.,

2023

) [1] according to the finding, incubation period was found to be in range of 2 to 4 days with mean of 3.08±0.32 days. (Chaudhray et al., 2009) [6] reported that the incubation period of egg was 3.37±0.09 days.

Larval development

In recent experiments, it has been found that six larvae of the fruit borer were instar. current result related to larval period and larval instar are given in Table 3. The improvement of larvae was found to be in range of 19 to 27 days with a mean of 22.08±1.87 days. During development, it was found that the larvae moulted for five times. The explanation of each larval instar is given below. The present observations are in accordance with reports of (Singh et al., 2023) [1] who recorded by period of larvae was found to be in range of 19 to 27 days with a mean of 22.45±0.44 days on tomato. (Baikar and Naik 2016) [8] reported the development period of larvae ranged from 21 to 23 days with an average of 21.8±0.79 days on chilli.

First instar larva

Recent study of this insect has revealed that the time period for first instar larvae ranges from a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 days, with an average of 2.70±0.48 days (Table 3). The length of first instar larva varied in between from 1.19 to 1.80 mm with a mean (1.51±0.23) and the breadth from 0.34 to 0.51 mm with a mean (0.44±0.65) (Table 4).

Second instar larva

Study revealed that the time period of second instar larvae was found to be in range of 2 to 3 days with a mean of 2.6±0.51 days (Table 3). The length of Second instar larva varied in between from 3.39 to 5.13 mm with a mean (4.32±0.67) and the breadth from 0.56 to 0.74 mm with a mean (0.67±0.65) (Table 4).

Third instar larva

Study revealed that the time period of third instar larvae was found to be in range of 3 to 5 days with a mean of 3.8±0.78 days (Table 3). The length of third instar larva varied in between from 7.18 to 9.23 mm with a mean 8.62±0.63 and the breadth from 0.81 to 0.90 mm with a mean (0.85±0.03) (Table 4).

Fourth instar larva

Observed data revealed that the time period of fourth instar larvae was found to be in range of 4 to 5 days with a mean of 4.5±0.52 days (Table 3). The length of fourth instar larva varied in between from 10.48 to 17.80 mm with a mean (14.83±2.27) and the breadth from 0.96 to 1.19 mm with a mean (1.10±0.09) (Table 4).

Fifth instar larva

Study revealed that the time period of fifth instar larvae was found to be in range of 4 to 5 days with a mean of 4.3±0.48 days (Table 3). The length of fifth instar larva varied in between from 18.17 to 25.62 mm with a mean (22.10±2.58) and the breadth from 1.81 to 2.62 mm with a mean (2.27±0.27) (Table 4).

Sixth instar larvae

Observed data revealed that the time period of sixth instar larvae was found to be in range of 4 to 6 days with a mean of 4.9±0.87 days (Table 3). The length of sixth instar larva varied in between from 28.24 to 33.89 mm with a mean (31.60±2.09) and the breadth from 2.81 to 3.23 mm with a mean (3.06±0.15) (Table 4). Present findings are supporting the findings of (Chakravarty et al., 2018) [7] The average stadial periods for first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larvae were 2.28±0.18, 2.46±0.11, 2.72±0.17, 3.18±0.23, 3.86±0.18 and 3.80±0.14 days, respectively. Supporting the finding of (Singh et al., 2023) [1] The first instar larva was very active with body length of 1.54±0.81 mm and body breadth of 0.46±0.05 mm. The larval development completed within 22.45±0.44 days.

The duration of each instar on tomato was found to be 2.58±0.26, 3.50±0.14, 3.42±0.26, 3.71±0.28, 4.38±0.16 and 4.83±0.14 days, respectively. According (Ali et al., 2009) [6] The average duration of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae were respectively: 2.27±0.08, 2.42±0.08, 2.67±0.07, 2.83±0.07, 3.40±0.10 and 3.37±0.11 days. The length and breadth of corresponding stages were respectively.

Pre-pupal period

When all the stages of the larval insect are completed, then this larval insect stops eating and also stops moving and starts thinning its body. current findings showed that the pre-pupal stage was in range of 1 to 3 days with an average of 2.01±0.77 days (Tabal 3). Present findings are supporting the findings of (Chauhan et al., 2018) [12] that the length and width of pre pupa varied from 19.00 to 21.20 (Av. 19.98±0.63) mm and 3.60 to 3.90 (Av. 3.74±0.09) mm, respectively. The prepupal period varied from 1 to 2 (Av. 1.64±0.49) days.

Pupal period

Just this minute formed pupae were yellowish green in colour which became mahogany brown coloured within few hrs of its formation and further darkened prior to adult moth emergence. They were of obtect type, moving only its posterior most five abdominal segments in a 360° rotation when touched. Male and female pupae were separated on the basis of the position of genital opening, situated midventrally on 8 th and 9th abdominal segments, in females and males, respectively. The pupal stage ranged from 8 to 15 days with an average of 11.8±2.51 days (Table 3). The length of pupae was found to be in range of 18.89 to 19.91 mm with a mean of 19.31±0.31 mm and the breadth was in range of 4.69 to 5.19 mm with a mean of 4.96±0.20 mm (Table 5). Present findings are supporting the findings of (Rabari et al., 2017) [3] The minimum pre pupal (1.93±0.69 days) and pupal periods (8.07±0.98 and 11.17±1.05 days for male and female) were recorded on chickpea host, while maximum (2.27±0.45 days pre pupal and 9.13±0.94 and 12.70±1.26 days male and female pupal periods) on cabbage host. supporting the finding of (Chauhan et al., 2018) [12] The length and width of pupal stage varied from 18.00 to 19.10 (Av. 18.61±0.37) mm and 4.30 to 4.60 (Av. 4.48±0.10) mm, respectively. The pupal duration varied from 10 to 15 (Av. 12.48±1.58) days.

Adult longevity

Adult longevity with food and without food for both sexes of this moth has been studied and observations are given in Table 3. Male moths with food were found to have a shorter life span, with an average life span of 7 to 10 days, with an average of 8.9±0.84 days. while females lived for 9 to 12 days with an average of 10.6±01.26 days. and Male moths without food were found to have a shorter life span, with an average life span of 1 to 2 days, with an average of 1.5±0.52 days. while females lived for 1 to 3 days with an average of 2.3±0.82 days. According (Kumar et al., 2022) [9] The average male and female length ranged 21.86±0.66, 22.50±0.67 mm and breadth ranged 7.06±0.21, 7.37±0.22 mm, respectively. reported that the (Dwivedi et al., 2020) [10] highest longevity of male and female recorded on chickpea leaf 7.86 and 13.13 days. according to the (Baikar and Naik 2016) [8] without food for 1 to 2 days with an average of 1.5±0.53 days, while females lived without food for 1 to 3 days with an average of 1.8±0.79 days.

Adults stage on tomato fruit borer

The body and thorax of the adult moths of this insect are somewhat thick and the front pair of wings of its male moths are greenish brown in color, but the front pair of wings of its female adult moths are somewhat brownish orange in color and the edges of its front wings are but there are many small dots and the second pair of wings is lighter in color and has dark brown wards at its ends. According to Table 6 data male length range from 16.78 to 18.26 mm with an average of 17.38±0.54 mm. The breadth was in range of 33.89 to 36.96 mm with a mean of 35.30±1.07 mm. the length of female was found to be in range of 17.89 to 20.17 mm with an average of 18.85±0.76 mm and breadth was in range of 37.94 to 40.25 mm an average 39.07±0.78 mm. finding of (Baikar & Naik 2016) [8] the male moth measured 17.84±0.59 mm in length, 36.04±1.24 mm in breadth and the female moth measured 19.34±0.75 mm in length, 40.20±0.84 mm in breadth on chilli. reported the (Singh et al., 2023) [1] the length of females was found to be in range of 18.70 millimetre to 20.60 millimetre with an average of 19.76±0.58 millimetre and breadth was in range of 38.70 millimetre to 41.10 millimetre with a mean of 40.08±0.99 millimetre. the length of males was found to be in range of 17.20 mm to 18.40 millimetre with an average of 17.79±0.41 millimetre and breadth was in range of 34.20 millimetre to 37.00 millimetre (average 35.55±0.92 mm).

Life cycle

The life cycle of with food male and female of this tomato fruit borer insect is completed within 38 to 60 day (Mean 49.4±4.31) and 40 to 62 day (Mean 51.1±4.29), respectively (Table 3). and without food male and female of this tomato fruit borer insect is completed within 32 to 50 day (Mean 41±12.72) and 32 to 51 day (Mean 41.5±13.43), respectively. reported that (Sharma et al., 2019) [5] the life cycle of male and female insect was completed in 51±2.97 and 53.76±2.43 day respectively. according to (Baikar and Naik 2016) [8] total life cycle was found to be completed within 42 to 55 days with an average of 47.9 days and 44 to 57 days with an average of 50.0 days, respectively on chilli.

Conclusion

Observations of life cycle components help with pest identification and treatment. The results of these studies may be helpful in determining the H. armigera field population. In-depth knowledge on development, survival, and reproduction/fecundity is provided by the current study of the biological aspects of H. armigera, which is an essential prerequisite for putting any control measures into action. This enables us to develop chemical, biological, and integrated tomato management strategies in addition to identifying the venerable stages of H. armigera.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementThe authors thanks the Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture Science, Technology and Research, Sardar International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research https://www.biochemjournal.com Patel University, Dongariya, Balaghat (M.P.) India for providing facilities and support during the experiment.

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