Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on fecundity, lifespan and flight ability of Helicoverpa armigera

The effects on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, of supplementing the benchmark larval feeding formula with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) were analyzed. The results show that supplementary BCAAs can increase adult longevity, and are conducive to improving development and reproductive capacity. In particular, by supplementing the ration with the three proteinogenic BCAAs at concentrations ten times that of the benchmark formula, all the selected physiological indices of cotton bollworm health were improved. The larval duration, pupae weight, pupation rate, fecundity and adult longevity for specimens fed the supplemented formula were 15.8 days, 0.348 g, 100%, 1340.7 eggs and 27.3 days, respectively. The same indicators for larvae fed the benchmark formula were 16.6 days, 0.306 g, 97.9%, 1167.0 eggs and 12.0 days, respectively. This study provides a reference for future research on amino acid supplementation and increasing lifespans