Bean weevil biology in different hosts

Abstract

The Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus feeds on several Fabaceae species, such as lima bean, common beans, peas, and cowpeas. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in biological parameters of Z. subfasciatus when submitted to hosts Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and Phaseolus lunatus (lima bean). In confinement tests, oviposition, emerged adults, male and female weight, and development from egg to adult were evaluated in the three hosts. Larval viability and total number of emerged adults were lower, and the period of development from egg to adult for individuals that fed on V. unguiculata decreased. Thus, P. vulgaris and P. lunatusare better hosts for Z. subfasciatus. However, V. ungiculata can be used as factitious host by Z. subfasciatus.

Keywords

• Zabrotes subfasciatus
• Biological parameters
• Phaseolus vulgaris
• Phaseolus lunatus
• Vigna unguiculata