Journal of Pest Science (2013) 86, 193-202

Eiko Wagenhoff, Rainer Blum, Katharina Engel, Holger Veit and Horst Delb (2013)
Temporal synchrony of Thaumetopoea processionea egg hatch and Quercus robur budburst
Journal of Pest Science 86 (2), 193-202
Abstract: Field observations on egg hatch of Thaumetopoea processionea suggest that temporal asynchrony with Quercus robur budburst leads to starvation, retarded neonate development and mortality. However, T. processionea neonates are generally well adapted to variable between-tree and within-tree budburst phenology reflecting the species' close bond to its host. They are able to withstand starvation periods of up to 3 weeks while searching extensively for suitable buds to feed on. Feeding and movements of young larvae frequently occur during daytime presumably taking advantage of higher day temperatures when night temperatures are below the species' thermal threshold. Due to the specific adaptations, we assume precise temporal synchrony to play a minor role regarding its influences on T. processionea population dynamics. However, if hatching precedes budburst for more than 2-3 weeks, temporal asynchrony may become a significant mortality factor for the neonates particularly when other adverse events (e.g. unfavourable weather conditions) during that period are involved. Therefore, future studies should try to reveal further details of this interaction and focus on the impact of global warming on T. processionea-oak budburst synchronisation.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Eiko Wagenhoff

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Thaumetopoea processionea	Oak (Quercus)