Temperature-Dependent Development and Survival of Giant Whitefly Aleurodicus dugesii (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) under Constant Temperatures

Abstract

The invasive giant whitefly Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a pest of over 300 plants species in the United States, many of which are economically important ornamentals and crops. Development and survival of A. dugesii was assessed at seven constant temperatures ranging from 10 to 35C to provide a basis for phenological forecasting and assist in enhancing current biological control strategies. Complete development occurred from 15 to 28C, with partial development occurring at 30C. Development time differed between sexes, with males developing 2 (at 25C) to 6 (at 15 and 28C) d faster than females. Adult survival was highest at 25C (65.4%), with survival rate declining rapidly at other temperatures. The relationship between temperature and development was evaluated using five nonlinear models (Lactin-2, Bri're-1 and 2, Beta, and LRF). Additionally, the simple linear regression was used to calculate developmental degree-days (DDs). While all five nonlinear models evaluated fit the data well, the Bri're-1 model provided the best fit of the data and estimated the optimal (25.3C), lower (9.9C), and upper (30.0C) developmental thresholds for male and female complete development. Using linear regression, DDs for complete development were calculated as 408 and 435 for males and females, respectively. The results of this study emphasize A. dugesii survival and development under varied temperature conditions.