INTRODUCTION
The cutworm
Spodoptera litura
Fabricius (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae), is a major destructive polyphagous pest of
subtropical and tropical crops, causing serious econo-
mical losses (Rao et al., 1993). Concerns about the
negative effects of chemical insecticides have led to
emphasis on alternative strategies for pest control. The
demand for organically grown food warrants methods that
utilize non-chemical inputs for pest control to reduce
harmful side-effects of pesticides on public health and
environment (Hazra et al., 1998). Pest management