Effect of temperature on biology and life table parameters of the European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

The European tarnished plant bug, Lygus rugulipennis Poppius (Hemiptera: Miridae), is one of the most important alfalfa pests in many parts of the world. The biology and life table parameters of L. rugulipennis were investigated at five constant temperatures (25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, and 35 °C) under conditions of 60±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L:8D h. The pest failed to development at 35 °C. The longest and shortest nymphal development periods were obtained at 27.5 °C (13.81 days) and 32.5 °C (8.08 days), respectively. The female adult longevity of L. rugulipennis at temperatures of 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 °C were evaluated 24.06, 20.96, 19.05, and 10.75 days, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproduction rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T), and doubling time (DT) of L. rugulipennis at temperatures of 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 °C were estimated 0.1028, 0.1045, 0.0923, and 0.0662 day-1, 23.92, 15.77, 12.37, and 4.60 female offspring/female, 1.105, 1.110, 1.097, and 1.069 day-1, 30.89, 25.90, 26.27, and 23.19 days, and 6.74, 6.65, 7.46, and 10.19 days, respectively. According to the results, the range of 25 to 27.5 °C is considered as an optimal temperature; in contrast, the 32.5°C is a destructive temperature to develop L. rugulipennis. The current results can be used in the forecasting and integrated management programs of L. rugulipennis.