Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 November 2016
The influence of young, mature and senescent leaves of bitter gourd Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) on the feeding, growth and reproduction of Epilachna dodecastigma (Weid.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were studied under laboratory conditions (27 ± 0.5 °C, 12 h light: 12 h dark photoperiod, 65 ± 5% RH). Larval developmental time of E. dodecastigma was longest on senescent leaves followed by young and mature leaves, whereas the pupal period was shortest on young and mature leaves. The longevity of females was generally higher than males. Male and female longevity were highest on mature leaves and lowest on senescent leaves. Fecundity was highest on mature leaves followed by young and senescent leaves. The growth and development of E. dodecastigma were related with nutrient and phenol content of three types of bitter gourd leaves. Carbohydrate content was higher in young and mature leaves, whereas protein, nitrogen, amino acid and lipid content were in greater quantities in mature leaves followed by young and senescent leaves. Phenol content was greatest in senescent leaves and least in mature leaves. Higher level of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen and amino acids including water content and lower phenol content of mature leaves had influenced higher growth rate and fecundity of E. dodecastigma.