Population growth performance and antioxidant enzymes activities of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on diets from various sesame cultivars.

The polyphagous species of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the major constraints in sesame production. The present study aimed to explore the life history and life table parameters of H. armigera on several meridic diets based on various sesame cultivars (Barekat, Mohajer, Shevin, Chamran, Jiroft, Behbahan, Sistan, Dashtestan, Dezful, and Hamidieh). Furthermore, the antioxidant defense system of H. armigera was evaluated via measuring antioxidant enzyme activities, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). According to the results, the development time of H. armigera was prolonged when fed on Jiroft, while it was shortened rearing on Mohajer and Barekat seed-based diets. The lowest fecundity of the pest was also observed on Jiroft seeds. Meanwhile, the highest value of either r or λ was on Barekat, whereas their lowest amounts were obtained on diets containing the seeds of Dashtestan, Behbahan, Dezful, and Jiroft. A significant upregulation of antioxidant enzymes of SOD, POD, and CAT was recorded on the meridic diets containing the seeds of Chamran or Jiroft. However, the level of POD was significantly decreased in larvae fed on Mohajer, Dashtestan, Barekat, and Sistan seed-based diets. The results of the cluster analysis revealed that Behbahan, Dezful, and Jiroft seeds were the most resistant to H. armigera attack. Our findings suggest that seed-based meridic diets can be effectively utilized for the rapid screening of sesame cultivars' resistance to pests, offering valuable insights for breeding programs focused on enhancing plant resistance.