Effect of SO2 on performance of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum Schiff

Effect of SO₂-enriched air on the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum Schiff.was investigated by rearing the larvae on rape leaves that had been exposed to 40 or 80 ppb of the air pollutant in field fumigation chambers. An examination on the 11th day showed that the larvae in both treatments survived more, developed markedly faster, their fresh v/eig'ht and mean relative growth rate were significantly greater than those of control insect. Improvement of their growth and development resulted in decrease of total larval duration by 0.5 - 1.0 day. Pupal and adult performances were little affected by SO₂ level to which larval food plant was exposed. Possible reason responsible for enhanced growth and development of the insect species was discussed.