Effect of Temperature on Biological Characteristics and Fecundity Life Table Parameters of Sugarcane Whitefly, Neomaskellia andropogonis (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

The aim followed in this study was to gain accurate information regarding the development and reproduction of sugarcane whitefly، Neomaskellia andropogonis (Corbett) at four constant temperatures of 20، 25، 30 and 32±1°C، 55±5 % relative humidity and photoperiodism of 12h light to 12 h dark to determine the most suitable temperature for development and reproduction of the insect. Egg to adult developmental time of female ranged from 53. 23±0. 22 days at 20°C to 20. 24±0. 09 days at 30°C. A total of 357 degree-days was required to complete development above the lower thermal threshold of 13. 52°C. Pre-imaginal mortality was 51. 6، 27. 5، 14. 16 and 13. 33% at 20، 25، 30 and 32°C، respectively. Mean longevity of female N. andropogonis ranged from 9. 66±0. 35 days at 20°C to 4. 14±0. 46 days at 32°C. Mean total fecundity ranged from 20. 42±1. 94 at 20°C to 61. 25±4. 71 eggs/female. Intrinsic rate of increase (rm) ranged from 0. 053±0. 00 at 20°C to 0. 210±0. 00 (Individuals per female per day) at 30°C. The shortest doubling time was 3. 30±0. 14d occuring at 30°C، while the longest 13. 06±1. 74d occuring at 20°C. The highest reproduction occurred at 30°C. The results obtained from the study are indicative of two useful aspects. First، the best temperature for mass production of the insect (to evaluate the effect of different biological control agents) was determined. Second، by a comparison of calculated parameters of N. andropogonis and those of biological control agents (under the same laboratory conditions) the efficiency of different biological control agents on the insect could be predicted.