The Effect of Temperature on Develoment of the Legume POD-Borer Maruca Testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Reared on Artificial Diet

Abstract

Six temperatures (19°C,22°C,25°C,28°C,31°C and 34°C; S.D = 0.5°C) were tested for their effect on larval development pupation and adult emergence of Maruca testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in laboratory experiments. Percival® growth chambers (constant temperature cabinets) were used. Cohorts of first instar larvae were infested on an artificial diet, immediately upon hatching. Temperature had pronounced effects on all parameters studied namely larval and pupal periods, percentage pupation and emergence, pupal weight, total development time, growth index and number of eggs laid per female. The optimum temperature for larval development, percentage population, adult emergence and fecunity for M. testulalis was found to be 25±0.5°c. Prolonged larval development, noticed at lower temperatures, was accompanied by the production of a low number of eggs laid per female. The results suggest that the temperature range suitable for larval development, mating and oviposition of M. testulalis is between 22°c and 34°c.