Host plant selection by Helicoverpa armigera (lepidoptera, Noctuidae) - the role of some herbivore attributes

The effect of various 'herbivore' attributes on oviposition in Helicoverpa armigera were considered in a series of laboratory experiments. Larval diet did not influence the rank order of adult host preference, but early adult experience around a host increased oviposition on that host in subsequent trials. The presence of eggs laid 12 h before did not influence subsequent oviposition on a plant, although newly laid eggs may have. The presence of larvae, larval damage to plants and larval frass reduced oviposition on a plant. These results are discussed in relation to polyphagy in H. armigera