Effect of Temperature on the Development of Orius albidipennis Reuter, a Predator of the African Legume Flower Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom
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Date
2002-09
Authors
Mueke, J. M.
Gitonga, L. M.
Löhr, B.
Overholt, W. A.
Magambo, J. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
The effects of temperature on the development of Orius albidipennis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), reared on its prey, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), were studied in the laboratory. Nymphal mortality was 87, 48 and 38 % at 20, 25 and 30 °C, respectively. With the exception of first-instar nymphs, percentage mortality was lowest at 25 °C. Pre-oviposition period and longevity decreased with an increase in temperature. Mean daily and total fecundity were 2.1 and 76.4 respectively at 25 CC. The mean developmental period from oviposition to adult eclosion was 27.7, 14.1 and 10.9 days at 20, 25 and 30 °C respectively. There was a linear relationship between temperature and developmental rate (1/day) of O. albidipennis. Lower thermal thresholds were 13.8, 13.5, 12.7, 15.0, 13.8 and 12.5 °C for eggs and nymphal stages 1 to 5, respectively, with the corresponding average degree-day requirement of 46.9, 42.6, 33.3, 29.2, 26.1 and 51.4 days, respectively. The implications of these results for biological control of thrips are discussed.
Description
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400012078
Keywords
thrips, Orius albidipennis, Megalurothrips sjostedti, temperature, biological control, predation
Citation
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science / Volume 22 / Issue 03 / September 2002, pp 215-220