Larval Food Preference and Oviposition of Pieris Brassicae Nepalensis

Laboratory studies on larval food preference of Pieris brassicae Nepalensis showed that Brassica oleracea Var. capitata was the most preferred larval food plant based on leaf area consumption per unit time, when reared on Brassica oleracea Var. capitata (Cabbage), Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis (Cauliflower), Brassica campestris (Mustard), Cleome rutidosperma (Fringed spider flower, wild) and Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium). Tropaeolum majus was considered to be the least preferred food plant for P. brassicae nepalensis. In the present investigation Brassica oleracea Var. capitata leaves proved to be the most preferred oviposition substrates for the female P. brassicae nepalensis. Although Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) was not preferred as a food plant by the larvae, adult females showed equal preference for Tropaeolum majus and Brassica oleracea Var. botrytis for oviposition. This not only increases the rate of oviposition but also ensures higher larval survivality.