Effect of Biological Traits on Elm Leaf Beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (M.) Egg Laying and Evaluation of Correlation between Traits on Different Hosts

Elm leaf beetle were reared under controlled conditions (25± 2 oC, 70± 5%R.H. and 16L: 8D) to determine relationship between biological traits and the number of eggs per female on different hosts and to evaluate correlation between traits. U. carpinifolia, U .c. var. umbraculifera, U. glabra var. pendula and Celtis caucasica were examined as hosts. The biological traits consisted of 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval developmental times first, second, and third larval percent mortality rates prepupal and pupal developmental times male and female longevity and pre-ovipositional period recorded during experiments. The relationships between traits and the number of eggs per female were determined by multiple regression (Foreward selection and stepwise). The correlation between traits was evaluated, too. The results showed that the number of eggs per female were mostly affected by certain special traits such as 2nd and 3rd larval developmental time, pre-ovipositional period and male longevity which are distinct in different hosts and seasons.