Oviposition preference and levels Adaptation of Caryedon serratus Olivier (Coleoptera, Bruchidae) hosts plant strain to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea, Fabaceae)

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess oviposition site selection by females of various groundnut seedâ€Âbeetle strains, Caryedon serratus, bred from different hosts. Tests of choice on pods of various host plants were initially made. Egg distributions among hosts were compared. The levels of adaptation of wild strains on groundnut and the capacities of development of \"groundnut\" strain on the seeds of the wild hosts were also tested. Results indicated that strains may be considered as developing according to Hopkins\' host selection principle. Results obtained from the levels of adaptation tests revealed that the various strains were as identical as for their intrinsic possibilities of development on the groundnut. The parameter weight of the adults indicated that the “Bauhinia†strain was adapted intrinsically less well than the other strains to the development on the groundnut. The fecundity rate revealed that the various strains were identical as for their intrinsic possibilities of development on the groundnut but “Bauhinia†seemed less good adapted to the groundnut. The passage of the groundnut strain to the wild hosts is possible but, raised on wild seeds; this one behaves although on groundnut.