Estimation of injury levels of Spodoptera sp. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) against hybrid variety of eggplant (Solanum lycopersicum)

The armyworm is a notorious polyphagous insect pest of vegetable crops that is causing major economic losses in crops belonging to various families. To estimate the losses caused by various number of larval instars of Sodoptera sp. on eggplant production, experiment was conducted in semi-natural conditions. Various number (2, 3, 4) of larvae at each 4th, 5th and 6th stage were caged on one plant at vegetative stage for 4-5 days. All three numbers caused destruction in eggplant production in terms of fruit number, size and weight. The experiment indicated that the army worm must be controlled in earlier instars to avoid damage and losses at economic levels.