Host preference and growth response of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in cucurbits in south Florida

Host preference and growth response of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were studied in cucurbits in Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, Florida during the seasons of 2013 and 2014. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure in SAS. and means were separated by using Waller-Duncan Multiple range test. Experiment was set up in both field and laboratory and was done on four different cultivars of cucurbits: Yellow squash, zuchhini, cucumber and watermelon. Different parameters such as number, duration and survivability were recorded for eggs, different instars of larvae, pupae and adult moths in four different crops. In field condition, while collecting data plant was divided into three parts: top, middle and bottom and number of larvae was recorded from each part in four different crops. Results show that the most preferred host was yellow squash and watermelon was least preferred host. Melonworm larvae took relatively less time to molt into other instar in yellow squash and more time when fed to watermelon. The population of small sized melonworm larvae was high on bottom part of the plant and medium and large sized larvae were scattered over the plant. There was high level of damage in crown part of the plant. Percent survival of all the developmental stages of melonworm was highest in watermelon and lowest in yellow squash. The information about the preference and growth response of melonworm on different hosts can be used in implementing effective management practices.