Effects of temperature on the fitness of the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Temperature directly influences the survival, development and reproduction of insects and limits their biological activity. The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal) is a destructive pest of alfalfa crops in Spain and in most of the alfalfa production countries. The knowledge of how temperature affects the fitness of this pest can be used to predict its activity in current or forecasted environmental conditions and to develop more accurate control strategies.

Results

We evaluated the fitness of alfalfa weevil at eight constant temperatures (8-36 °C) at 4 °C intervals by using life tables and models for the description of temperature-dependent development rates. We found that most of the parameters we studied were temperature dependent. Development was observed

SUBMITTER: Levi-Mourao A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9544973 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature