Abstract
Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a polyphagous pest, surviving on more than 120 plant species belonging to 44 families including cotton, groundnuts, jute, maize, paddy, soybeans, tea, tobacco and vegetables. Broad host range indicates its digestive capabilities for adaption of a variety of food. Keeping in view, the damage potential of Spodoptera litura, studies were conducted to determine the effects of transgenic cotton CEMB-33, Bt-906 and conventional FH-142, CIM-496 cotton varieties on biotic potential of Spodoptera litura under laboratory conditions, 27±5ºC and R. H. 65±5%, at M. A. H. Qadri, Biological Research Centre, University of Karachi, Karachi. Transgenic cotton varieties were proved to be significantly effective and reduced pupation 10.80%, pupal weight 5.45% prolonged pupal duration 16.90% reduced adult emergence 29.41% as compared to the control.
