Age-stage two-sex life table of Geocoris ochropterus feeding on Plutella xylostella larvae at different temperatures

Author of the article:GAO Li-Ping1, 2** WANG Hong-Yu1 CAO Fei1 DAI Yong-Heng1 WANG Xiang-Ping1*** ZHANG Jin-Ping2***

Author's Workplace：1. Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; 2. MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-Safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100193, China

Key Words：Geocoris ochropterus; Plutella xylostella; different temperature; age-stage two-sex life table; biological control

Abstract：[Aim] To determine the optimal temperature for raising Geocoris ochropterus, a natural enemy of Plutella xylostella. [Methods] Using an age-stage two-sex life table approach, we systematically evaluated the developmental period, survival rate, reproductive capacity, and population growth parameters of male and female G. ochropterus feeding on P. xylostella larvae at 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 ℃ [Results] G. ochropterus could complete development at all temperatures tested. However, 28 ℃ was the optimal temperature in terms of developmental period (32.51 days), survival rate (61%), pre-oviposition period (36.81 days), proportion of females produced (32%), and female fecundity (277.19 eggs/female). The net reproductive rate was also highest at 28 ℃ (88.7 offspring), as was the intrinsic rate of increase (0.08 per day) and the finite rate of increase (1.09 per day), whereas the mean generation time was the shortest (53.88 days). [Conclusion] 28 ℃ is the optimum temperature for the development and reproduction of G. ochropterus feeding on P. xylostella larvae. This result provides a theoretical basis for improving the captive rearing of G. ochropterus and consequently the biological control of P. xylostella.