Relative susceptibility of Crotalaria spp. to attack by Etiella zinckenella in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Four Crotalaria species were found attacked by the lima bean pod borer Etiella zinckenella (Treit.) in Puerto Rico: C. pallida, C. anagyroides, C. zanzibarica and C. incana. Non-susceptible species were C. retusa, C. stipularia and C. lanceolata. Early literature observations on the effect of soil characteristics (pH, soil penetrability, and organic matter) on attack rates of this borer to C. pallida could not be confirmed on the basis of field observations. Only plant patch size seemed to be positively correlated with attack rates. Female oviposition patterns are discussed. Oviposition on C. pallida field collected pods was restricted to green pods larger than 3.2 cm. No eggs were found on senescent pods.