Effects of temperature on some ecological characteristics of a laboratory population of Athetis dissimilis (Hampson)
Author of the article:DUAN Ai-Ju** WANG Shu-Zhi WANG Li-Xia LIU Chang-Ying LIU Shun-Tong HAN Rui-Hua ZHANG Zi-Qi
Author's Workplace：Luoyang Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Luoyang 471022, China
Key Words：Athetis dissimilis, temperature, life table, developmental duration, survivorship, fecundity
Abstract： [Objectives] To explore the effects of the temperature on the growth, development, and reproduction, of Athetis dissimilis (Hampson), a new and important agricultural pest in China. [Methods] The developmental duration, survival rate and fecundity of A. dissimilis was measured under laboratory conditions of 16, 21, 26, 30 and 34 (±1)℃, RH 70％±5％ and a photoperiod of 14L︰10D, and the resultant data used to construct life tables. [Results] Developmental duration decreased as temperature increased from 16℃ to 34℃. The developmental threshold temperature was 9.88℃, and the effective accumulated temperature required for a whole generation was 906.53 degree-days. There was no significant difference in the hatching rate of eggs at different temperatures. The larval survival rate, pupation rate and emergence rate were highest at 21-30℃.The number of eggs laid per female was highest at 21-26℃, and decreased significantly at 16℃ and 30℃. Adults did not mate at 34℃, and the mating rate was only 46% at 30℃. Life table analysis showed that the index of population trend and the intrinsic rate of natural increase were higher at 26℃ than at any other temperature tested (98.5 and 0.1, respectively). [Conclusion] The highest intrinsic rate of natural increase and index of population trend were observed at temperatures from 21℃ to 26℃, which suggests that this is the optimal temperature range for A. dissimilis.