Feeding and oviposition preference of Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) on tea in Northeast India

摘要

Feeding and oviposition preference studies of Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse, on leaves and stems of tea, Camellia sinensis L. (O) Kuntze. revealed that the insect mostly preferred the second leaf for feeding in comparison to the first, and the third leaf and stems; while the fifth instar nymphs were the most voracious feeders among the life stages, producing the most and largest feeding lesions. The insect preferred to oviposit mainly on stems and very few eggs are found on leaves.