Growth and Development of the Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, on Carbon Dioxide Enriched Cotton

Abstract

Growth and development was studied in the beet armyworm (BAW), Spodoptera exigua, reared on cotton seedlings at high (650 ppm) or ambient (325 ppm) carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and at 2 fertilizer levels. Under high fertilization, female BAW reared on CO₂-enriched seedlings weighed significantly less (873 mg) than controls (101.0 mg) and had a significantly longer developmental time (14.2 vs. 12.4 days for controls). Male BAW followed the same pattern but the data were not statistically significant. Combined (male & female) survival rates for BAW reared on CO₂-enriched cotton seedlings on a high fertilizer level were 19.1 compared to 41.6 % for controls; more females survived than males by a significant ratio of 2:1.