Influencia de la proporción secual de adultos de Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) sobre la reproducción de la especie en laboratorio

OBALLE, R.; ALDEBIS, H. K.; SANTIAGO-ALVAREZ, C. and VARGAS-OSUNA, E., 1998: Influence of adult sex ratio in the reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) in laboratory. Bol. San. Veg. Plagas, 24(3): 519-524. The laboratory colonies of the noctuid Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) are characterized by low percentages of fertil females. We have studied the effect of the adult sex ratio on some reproductive parameters of this species. Newly emerged adults were confined in different sex ratios and maintained during their lifetime at insectary conditions. The highest number of eggs was obtained from 4 females: 4 males combination, with significant differences respect to 2:4 and 1:4, and the highest fecundity in the number of eggs per female occurred in the 1:4 and 3:4 combinations. A high number of jars with viable eggs was found in the 3:4 and 2:4 groups. The most suitable adult combination for rearing of this species is 3 females: 4 males.