Host Plant Affinity and Trophic Behavior of Lohita grandis name of author (Hemiptera: Largidae)

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 92 100
    By

    Priti Saxena,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, D.A.V. Degree College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Lohita grandis (Gray) , commonly known as the red cotton bug, is an emerging pest of cotton and several other economically important crops in India. Its sap-sucking feeding habit causes discoloration of fruits, reduction in seed quality, and yield losses, posing serious challenges to sustainable agriculture. The present study investigates the feeding behaviour and host plant preferences of L. grandis across diverse agroclimatic zones of India, with the aim of generating ecological insights useful for integrated pest management (IPM).Field surveys were conducted during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. These were complemented by controlled laboratory experiments to assess host preference, feeding duration, damage intensity, survival, and fecundity. Multiple-choice feeding assays and standardized damage indices were employed, along with nutrient profiling of host plants to examine correlations between plant quality and insect behaviour.The results revealed that L. grandis exhibits a broad host range, but shows a marked preference for members of the family Malvaceae, particularly Gossypium hirsutum L.and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Feeding duration, plant damage, and survival rates were significantly higher on these hosts. Substantial regional variation was observed, showing the highest feeding intensity and survival, while populations from the Eastern Hills displayed reduced feeding activity. These differences appear to be influenced by climatic factors and host plant nutritional composition, especially sugar and nitrogen content.The study highlights the behavioural plasticity and ecological adaptability of L. grandis across agroclimatic gradients. The findings provide a scientific basis for region-specific IPM strategies, including host plant resistance, crop diversification, and targeted monitoring, to mitigate crop losses caused by this pest and enhance agricultural sustainability.

Keywords: Agroclimatic zones, feeding behavior, host plant preference, integrated pest management (IPM), malvaceae

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Priti Saxena. Host Plant Affinity and Trophic Behavior of Lohita grandis name of author (Hemiptera: Largidae). Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):92-100.
How to cite this URL:
Priti Saxena. Host Plant Affinity and Trophic Behavior of Lohita grandis name of author (Hemiptera: Largidae). Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):92-100. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoast/article=2026/view=237215


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 13/10/2025
Accepted 05/02/2026
Published 19/02/2026
Publication Time 129 Days
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