Vertical distributions of tobacco looper (Plusia argentifera (Guenee)) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs and larvae on three tobacco varieties in north Queensland

Abstract

Sampling mature flowering tobacco plants of 3 varieties in the Mareeba-Dimbulah district of northern Queensland in 1973-74 showed that females of Chrysodeixis argentifera (Gn.) (Plusia argentifera) preferred the leaves on the lower half of the plants as oviposition sites, and that first-instar larvae were also found there; it is concluded that when non-systemic insecticides are applied in sprays against these early stages in the life-history, this should be towards the lower leaves. Little difference was recorded in the patterns of oviposition on the 3 varieties.