Effects of Micrometeorological Conditions on Survival and Fecundity of the Mexican Bean Beetle 1 in Soybean Fields

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Abstract
Contrasting soybean canopy microclimates were obtained in two experiments: (1) field cage modifications and watering schedules and (2) canopy modification through alteration of plant spacing and pruning. The first experiment produced small but significant differences in the mean daily maximum temperature (34.2 to 38.1°C) but not in the mean RH (70.3 to 72.2%). In the second experiment, differences in both factors were significant (29.3 to 32.5°C and 89 to 96%). In the first experiment, differences in temperature were associated with marked differences in survival of adults, larvae and eggs of the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). This relationship was not evident in the second experiment where the field temperatures were more moderate. However, significant differences in fecundity were observed under contrasting microclimates of the second but not the first experiment.