The aim of this work was to evaluate the developmental rates and reproductive output of the cotton leafworm [Alabama argillacea (Hübner)], fed on leaves of cultivars with white fibers (BRS 201 and Acala 90) and colored ones (BRS Verde). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three treatments (cultivars) and ten and eight replications in laboratory and in field, respectively. In the laboratory, larvae were fed with cotton leaves, while in the field, eggs were caged on plant terminals and monitored until one generation was completed. Compared to the other cultivars, BRS 201 caused, both in laboratory and in the field: prolongation of larval development of A. argillacea in about two days; and lower pupal weight and egg production. In laboratory, the cotton leafworm reared on BRS 201 showed the lower survival index (46%). Population growth of A. argillacea estimated after four successive generations showed that one fertilized female has the potential for producing 1,776.6, 47.19 and 6.51 individuals colonizing Acala 90, BRS Verde and BRS 201, respectively. Lower performance in development and reproduction of cotton leafworm fed on BRS 201 can offer additional control to this pest in the field.
Gossypium hirsutum; colored cotton fiber; cotton leafworm; host plant resistance
