Acceptance and Development of Heliothis subflexa and H. virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and their Hybrid and Backcross Progeny on Several Plant Species

Host acceptance and development of Heliothis subflexa (Guenee), H. virescens (F.), their hybrid, and backcross (BC) progeny on several plant species were studied. Backcrossing hybrids to H. virescens resulted in progeny behaviorally similar to their recurrent parent. The BC progeny were able to utilize host plants that were acceptable to H. virescens . Although H. subflexa exhibited growth and development on some atypical host plants under forced conditions, none have been verified as specific hosts in the field.