Table 2 Effect of different varieties of gram on the development and longevity of Heliothis armigeva I NOD NF OO EOE EEE NE EON I NIA FER OO OO OI OOD EEE NO I DE” Radhe induced quickest pupation, larval period of the insect on this variety was 18.73 whereas pupation was slowest on K,; the insect required 35.46 days. The other two varieties delayed the pupation by 1.5 and 10.94 days in comparison to Radhe. The larval period differed statistically among the tested varieties of gram (P < 0.05). This suggests that the larval period is affected by the variety of gram. This finding is similar to that reported by the aforesaid workers. Growth indices indicated that the Radhe (3.86) was the most suitable variety, whereas K, was the least so. The other two varieties, Desi (3.21) and Kygg (1.75), were comparatively better than K, (1.07).