POPULATION GROWTH POTENTIAL OF DACTYLOPIUS CEYLONICUS GREEN (HEMIPTERA: DACTYLOPIIDAE) ON OPUNTIA VULGARIS MILLER

Abstract

Development, survival, reproduction, sex ratios and population growth statistics of Dactylopius ceylonicus on Opuntia vulgaris at constant temperatures of 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34°C are reported. Populations of D. ceylonicus can increase at constant temperatures above 16.7°C and the rate of increase reaches a peak near 30°C. The most favourable temperatures for D. ceylonicus development, survival and reproduction were 26 and 30°C. The relevance of this to control of O. vulgaris and breeding of D. ceylonicus for field release are discussed. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved