The effect of ambient temperature on the development of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, 1808)

Abstract

The development of individual cotton bollworm stages depending on the ambient temperature was studied in laboratory conditions. The effect of temperature on the development of all stages of Helicoverpa armigera was studied at three constant temperatures of 20, 25, and 30°C in temperature-controlled chambers. The temperature dependence of the developmental rates and the thermal thresholds were established by means of linear regression. Our data has established following optimal temperatures: the lower thermal threshold for the development of the Helicoverpa armigera eggs is 14.83°C, for the development of the larvae is 11.34°C and for the development of the pupae is 8.18°C. The termal constant for the development of the Helicoverpa armigera eggs is 64.10 day-degrees, for the development of the larvae is 344.83 day-degrees and for the development of the pupae is 222.22 day-degrees. The lower thermal threshold for the total Helicoverpa armigera development is 11.50�C and the thermal constant is 625.00 day-degrees.