Developmental potential of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.)(Col., Coccinellidae)on some wild solanaceous plants

Studies on growth and development of Henosepiluchna vigintioctopunctata on solanaceous wild plants revealed that varied number of larvae were able to survive on these plants except on Solanum pubescens. Maximum number of larvae survived on S. xunthocarpum and S. indicum followed gy Daturu fustuosu, S. melongena and S. khusianum. On all the test plants the number of larvae pupated all reached to the adult stage. The adults were found heavier on S. indicum and lighter on S. melongena. Large number of males emer ed on S. khasiunum while on S. melongena females outnumbered males. On other plants male and female emerged in equal number. Average adult longevity was greater on S. xanthocutpum and lowest on S. khasiunum. Adults on S. khasianum died within few days without egg laying. On all the plant species males lived for a longer eriod than females. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and ost oviposition periods also varied and indicated higher on S. xanthocarpum and lowest on S. inicum. Fecundity was also higher on S. xunthocu am but least on D. Tstuosu. Overall comparison of these plant species clearly established the superiority of S. xanthocarpum and S. indicum over other host plants for growth and development of H. vigintioctopunctata.