Determination of temperature thresholds for the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), using life cycle simulation modeling: Implications for effective field releases in classical biological control of fruit flies

The braconid parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is one of the most important natural enemies in classical biological control programs against tephritid fruit flies worldwide. In light of the spread of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera dorsalis in Africa and beyond, there is a need to implement classical biological control. The current study aimed to determine temperature thresholds for D. longicaudata reared on B. dorsalis, using life cycle simulation modeling to guide informed parasitoid releases in Africa. Simulated parameters included thermal requirements, population growth parameters at different temperature requirements, suitable areas for the establishment, and the number of generations per year under projected climatic conditions. The lower thermal threshold for the development was estimated at 10.0°C, with a thermal constant (k) of 333.3-degree days, while the maximum temperature threshold was estimated at 33.69°C. Fecundity was highest at 25°C, with 177.3 eggs per female. Temperature significantly affected the population growth parameters of D. longicaudata, and the maximum value of the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.145 at 27°C. Results indicate that D. longicaudata could successfully establish in tropical and sub-tropical regions under current and future climatic conditions. However, a slight change in the suitable areas is expected by the year 2050 due to a slight and gradual rise in temperature. Our findings provide important information for further release of this parasitoid in Africa as well as designing pest management strategies to limit the spread and reduce the impact of fruit flies sustainably.

Toxicity, Sublethal and Low Dose Effects of Imidacloprid and Deltamethrin on the Aphidophagous Predator Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a common aphidophagous coccinellid predator used in biological control against aphid pests. Knowing toxicity, lethal, and sublethal effects of insecticides on natural enemies is essential in order to incorporate them into Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In the present study, the lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid and deltamethrin were evaluated on the fourth instar larvae of C. undecimnotata and subsequently on the full life cycle. Our results strongly suggest that sublethal and low doses of imidacloprid and deltamethrin at LD10 and LD30 affected fourth instar larvae duration time, adult preoviposition period, total preoviposition period, and fecundity. Moreover, the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rate of increase and the net reproduction rate (R0) significantly decreased in populations treated with imidacloprid compared to the control population. The data clearly suggest that imidacloprid and deltamethrin have a negative influence on population growth parameters of C. undecimnotata at sublethal and low doses and, therefore, these insecticides should be used with caution within the context of IPM.

Effects of different almond cultivars on biological and population responses of Schizotetranychus smirnovi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The development, longevity, and reproductive potential of Schizotetranychus smirnovi concerning different almond cultivars including Sefid, Azar, Shokofeh, Shahrood6, Shahrood7, Ferragnes, Shahrood13, Shahrood21, Rabie, Nonpareil, and Mamaei were investigated in the current study. Our results indicated the longest developmental time of females on Shahrood21 (7.35 ± 0.10), while the shortest duration of this parameter was found on Rabie (6.21 ± 0.10) and Nonpareil (5.88 ± 0.17) cultivars. The total mortality ranged from 13.30 to 50.00% on Azar and Shokofeh, respectively. On the majority of cultivars, the highest proportion of mortality among all stages was allocated to larvae which indicated that it was the most sensitive stage. The fecundity of S. smirnovi on Mamaei (34.19 ± 3.60), Sefid (30.50 ± 2.67), and Ferragnes (30.31 ± 3.02) was significantly higher than other cultivars. However, the lowest fecundity (11.21 ± 1.70) was observed on Shokofeh cultivar. Moreover, different cultivars resulted in significant differences in all population growth parameters. Azar had the highest value of both intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.2675 ± 0.0164) and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.3067 ± 0.0213), whereas the value of these parameters on Shokofeh and Shahrood21 were significantly lower than other cultivars. The mean generation time (T) ranged from 9.51 ± 0.16 on Shahrood7 to 11.69 ± 0.39 d on Shahrood21 cultivar. According to our results, Mamaei, Nonpareil, Rabie, Ferragnes and Azar cultivars were more susceptible, while Shokofeh, Shahrood21, and Shahrood13 seemed to be more tolerant to S. smirnovi.

Elk population dynamics when carrying capacities vary within and among herds

Population and land management relies on understanding population regulation and growth, which may be impacted by variation in population growth parameters within and among populations. We explored the interactions between variation in carrying capacity (K), intrinsic population growth rate (r), and strength of density dependence (β) within and among elk (Cervus elaphus) herds in a small part of the geographic range of the species. We also estimated stochastic fluctuations in abundance around K for each herd. We fit linear Ricker growth models using Bayesian statistics to seven time series of elk population survey data. Our results indicate that K and β varied among herds, and that r and β varied temporally within herds. We also found that herds with smaller K had less stochastic fluctuation in abundances around K, but higher temporal variation in β within herds. Population regulation and the rate of return to the equilibrium abundance is often understood in terms of β, but ecological populations are dynamic systems, and temporal variation in population growth parameters may also influence regulation. Population models which accommodate variation both within and among herds in population growth parameters are necessary, even in mild climates, to fully understand population dynamics and manage populations.

Effects of UV Radiation on Egg Hatching Population Growth and Reproductive Parameters of Indianmeal Moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In this research, three age groups of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) eggs (1-, 2- and 3-day-old eggs) were exposed to ultraviolet irradiation (UVC) with 254nm wavelength for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 minutes, under controlled conditions. The effect of UVC-irradiation on reproduction and population growth parameters investigated for eggs irradiated for 0.5, 1 and 1.5 minutes. The percentage of egg hatching decreased with increase in UVC exposure time, while for each exposure time, the older eggs were more sensitive than the younger ones. The results indicated that different exposure times of UVC-irradiation could affect the reproduction and population growth parameters. The highest value of net fertility rates was observed in 1, 2 and 3-day-old eggs which were treated with 0.5 min exposure. Both the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the net reproductive rate (R0) decreased with increasing exposure time from 0.5 to 1.5 min while the mean generation time (Tc) and doubling time (DT) increased within this irradiation range. The lowest amount of rm was obtained in 1, 2 and 3-day-old eggs which were treated with 1.5 min exposure time. The results showed that UVC-irradiation is an appropriate technique for controlling P. interpunctella.

Biology and Population Growth Parameters of Tomato Leaf Miner, (Tuta absoluta, Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera), on Tomato in the Laboratory

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Biology and population growth parameters of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), on five host plant species

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is an invasive pest of cotton, apart from several other important crops, and poses a serious threat to agricultural economy all over the world. Studies on the biology and population growth parameters of P. solenopsis on the five most preferred host plants, namely cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (Malvaceae), China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) (Malvaceae), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) (Solanaceae), congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (Asteraceae) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) (Malvaceae) were undertaken in the laboratory under controlled temperature and relative humidity. The mean cumulative development time of females was 16.61 days on cotton, 14.16 days on China rose, 14.13 days on okra, 14.00 days on tomato and 13.57 days on congress grass. The longest oviposition period was recorded on cotton (15.20 ± 1.87 days), while it was in the range of 9-10 days in the remaining host plants. Females lived longer (27.40 ± 1.76 days) when reared on cotton, while their life was shortest on tomato (14.60 ± 0.96 days). The highest fecundity was observed on cotton (328.30 ± 23.42), whereas it was found to be in the range 178-212 on the other hosts. The survival frequency from crawler to adult in females was highest on cotton (27.53%), while it was the lowest on tomato (15.87%). The highest net reproductive rate (284.3 females/female/generation), mean length of a generation (31.24 days), and intrinsic rate of increase (0.19 day−1) were recorded on cotton. The finite rate of increase was in the range of 1.18-1.20 (females/female/day) for all the selected host plants. The weekly multiplication rate was highest on China rose and congress grass (3.78), while it was the least on tomato (3.28). The corrected generation time was dissimilar in all the selected host plants, being highest on cotton (31.39 days) and the least on congress grass (27.71 days). The doubling time was shortest on congress grass (3.61 days), while it was longest on tomato (4.11 days). Hence, the host plant species significantly affects population growth of P. solenopsis.