Shwetha, A.G.S., Ashoka, J.,
Nadagoud, S. and Kuchnoor, P.H.
2019
Effect of
elevated CO2
and temperature
on biochemistry of
groundnut and in turn
its effect on development
of leaf eating caterpillar
Spodoptera litura fabricius.
Legume Research 42: 399-404.
NOTE:
Shwetha et al. (2019)
investigated the effects
of predicted changes
in elevated CO2
and temperature
on plant herbivore
interactions
between peanut
(Arachis hypogaea)
and the tobacco
armyworm
(Spodoptera litura).
Growers of this
key oilseed crop,
typically lose 35-55%
of their yield to this
herbivorous pest.
SUMMARY:
Shwetha et al. report
temperature had
little impact
on S. litura
growth, whereas
elevated CO2
impacted it
significantly.
Higher CO2 caused
significant changes
in leaf chemistry
that reduced
the food quality
and growth of
this herbivore pest.
S. litura experienced
reduced conversion
of ingested food and
reduced relative
growth rates,
which had a
"negative effect
on the growth and
development of S. litura."
Shwetha et al. conclude that
"the growth performance
of S. litura under elevated CO2
conditions affects [this herbivore pest]
badly, resulting in poor perpetuation
of the population which may reduce
its fitness in subsequent generations."
DETAILS:
The experimental set up
consisted of two temperature
(ambient or ambient +2°C,
warmed with infrared heaters)
and two atmospheric CO2
(490 or 550 ppm) treatments.
The peanut crops
were grown in
open-top chambers
and larvae of S. litura
were fed on fully matured
peanut leaves in petri plates
(later plastic jars) in each of
the treatment chambers.
Various measurements
of insect growth
and development
and development
were made during
the experiment.
the experiment.