Reproduction and Development of Diuraphis noxia (Homoptera: Aphididae) at Constant Temperatures

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), reared on wheat Triticum aestivum L., at six constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C) had significant differences in longevity and reproduction. Total life span decreased with increasing temperatures and was dependent on the number of nymphal stadia exhibited before the onset of reproduction. Adult life span was longest for aphids having five stadia. Natality was a function of temperature, adult age, and the number of maternal stadia. The average number of nymphs produced per day increased at each temperature regime from 5 to 20°C and then decreased from 20 to 30°C. Natality trends were very symmetrical with no significant differences between 5 and 30°C, 10 and 25°C, and 15 and 20°C. The number of maternal stadia had less impact on natality as temperature increased above 15°C. Total nymphs per aphid was greatest for adults exhibiting four stadia, although variation was high. Aphid mortality was dependent on aphid age and temperature. Regression analyses indicated that mortality trends were not significantly different for cohorts reared at 5, 10, and 15°C, although decreasing temperature effects led to higher survival rates. Mortality was significantly higher over time for each temperature increase above 15°C.