Development of Lacanobia subjuncta on apple foliage and Autographa californica, the alfalfa looper, on potato foliage was investigated. Rate of growth of L. subjuncta was measured in relation to season, apple variety, leaf age and position on the branch, previous insect damage, and the plant hormone methyl jasmonate. Rate of growth of alfalfa looper was measured in relation to previous insect damage and the plant hormone methyl jasmonate. Suitability of host plants as food for larvae of these polyphagous herbivores is significantly altered by several factors that might affect quality of leaf defensive chemistry.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Noctuidae Lacanobia subjuncta
Species 2: Lepidoptera Noctuidae Autographa californica (alfalfa looper)
Keywords: host suitability
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