THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE POPULATION GROWTH POTENTIAL OF DACTYLOPIUS AUSTRINUS DE LOTTO (HOMOPTERA: DACTYLOPIIDAE), ON OPUNTIA AURANTIACA LINDLEY

Abstract

The development, reproduction and population growth statistics of Dactylopius austrinus on Opuntia aurantiaca are described for constant temperatures of 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32 and 34°C. The lower temperature threshold for female development was 15.6 °C. Development was most rapid at 32 °C and the rate of development was linearly related to temperature between 20 and 30 °C. The maximum finite rate of increase (Λ) was 1.1569 females per female per day at 30 °C. Relevance of this study to control of O. aurantiaca and breeding of D. austrinus for field release are discussed. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved