Temperature-dependent development and reproduction of the boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

• Published in: Entomologica Sinica Vol. 12; no. 6; pp. 449 - 459
• Main Authors: GREENBERG, SHOIL M., SÉTAMOU, MAMOUDOU, SAPPINGTON, THOMAS W., LIU, TONG-XIAN, COLEMAN, RANDY J., ARMSTRONG, J. SCOTT
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-12-2005
• Subjects: Anthonomus grandis; Anthonomus grandis grandis; boll weevil; Coleoptera; Curculionidae; development; fecundity; mortality; temperature
• ISSN: 1672-9609; 1005-295X; 1744-7917
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2005.00057.x

Effects of temperature on development, survival, and fecundity of boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, were assessed at 10, 11, 12, 15,20,25,30,35,45, and 46 °C; 65% relative humidity; and a photoperiod of 13:11 (L: D) h. The mortality of boll weevil immature stages was 100% at 12°C and decreased to 36.4% as the temperature increased to 25°C. When the temperature increased from 30 °C to 45 °C, the mortality of weevils also increased from 50.1% to 100%. From 15°C to 35°C, the bollweevilpreimaginal development rate was linearly related to temperature. The average development time of total boll weevil immature lifestages decreased 3.6‐fold and the preovipositional period decreased 3.3‐fold when the temperature was increased from 15°C to 30°C. The lower threshold for development was estimated at 10.9, 6.6, 7.0, and 9.0 °C for eggs, larval, pupal, and total immature stages, respectively, with total thermal time requirement to complete immature stages of 281.8 DD (degree day) (15°C) and 247.8 DD (35 °C). At 1LC and 46°C, weevil females did not oviposit. Longevity of adult females decreased 4.6‐fold with increasing temperatures from 15°C to 35°C. Fecundity increased with increasing temperatures up to 30°C and significantly decreased thereafter. These findings will be useful in creating a temperature‐based degree‐day model for predicting the occurrence of key life stages in the field. An accurate predictor of a pest's development can be very important in determining sampling protocols, timing insecticide applications, or implementing an integrated pest management control strategy targeting susceptible life stages.