2.4. Reproduction on different host plants
To determine the fecundity of P. xylostella adults on each plant
species, one pair ofmothswas confined on a corresponding plant in
a chamber (15 cm in diameter and 30 cm in depth). There were 10
replicates for each species. The adults were fed with 10% honey
solution contained in absorbent cotton ball. The eggs laid on the
plants in each chamber were collected and counted daily until the
female adults died. Most pairs of moths started to mate, and the
female initiated egg-laying within a few hours after that, therefore,
the pre-oviposition period was ignored and included in the
oviposition period.