Integrated Management of Spodoptera litura: A Rewiew

Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a widely distributed pest in South-East Asia, feeding on 63 plant species belonging to 22 families. It is a serious pest of soybean, pulses oilseeds, cotton and vegetables. In an outbreak phase, this insect can completely defoliate large area of crops causing reduction in yield. Heavy use of synthetic organic insecticides to control this pest resulted in the development of resistance against insecticides of different groups. Although a variety of agrochemicals are used for growing crops, little is known about their direct or indirect effects on nontarget organisms including insect pests. Therefore, alternative control measures have been searched out for this noxious pest. By adopting probable and advanced management practices this important pest can be managed. Key-wordsSpodoptera litura, Bioassay, agrochemicals, Growth and development, Polyphagous pest INTRODUCTION Spodoptera litura Fabricius commonly known as tobacco caterpillar is a polyphagous pest and cause considerable damage to soybean, cotton, and vegetables [1-3] . Use of insecticides for controlling this pest is on the rise and it has the ability to develop resistance to many insecticides [4-5] . Further, various pesticides viz. herbicides, fungicides have been reported to have detrimental effects on different aspects of a life cycle of the S. litura [6-7] . In addition, to understand the influence of agrochemicals on expression of resistance in plants against insects, it is also essential to complete a database on the direct and indirect effect of agrochemicals on insect pests. Therefore, it is essential to know the role of different agrochemicals on the developmental profile of Spodoptera litura. Such observations have been useful in understanding the shifts in insect pest population on a crop influenced by these molecules. Information on this interesting area of pest management is scanty and therefore, needs more observations [6] . Integrated management optionsNo doubt, insecticides are most powerful and widely accepted weapons for the control of above mentioned insect pests. However, excessive reliance on insecticides has posed several adverse effects such as a buildup of pest resistance to insecticide, outbreak of secondary pests, Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: