Annals of the Entomological Society of America (2010) 103, 603-610

José B. Malaquias, Francisco S. Ramalho, Francisco S. Fernandes, José L. Nascimento Júnior, Ezequias T. Correia and José C. Zanuncio (2010)
Effects of photoperiod on reproduction and longevity of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Annals of the Entomological Society of America 103 (4), 603-610
Abstract: Effects of photoperiod on reproduction and longevity of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were assessed under seven different photophases (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 h) at a constant 28 ± 1°C temperature and 70 ± 10% RH in the laboratory. Photoperiod affected the longevity of P. nigrispinus females. The highest longevity (24.10 d) occurred with a 15-h photoperiod, compared with longevity of 9.75 d at 12-h photoperiod. The preoviposition period of P. nigrispinus was influenced by the photoperiod. The preoviposition period of P. nigrispinus was longer for the 16-h photoperiod (7.25d) than for the 12- (4.06d), 13- (4.00 d), and 14-h (3.68d) photoperiod. The postoviposition period, the number of egg clutches per female per day, and the interval between egg clutches were not affected by the photoperiod. The postoviposition period ranged from 1.46 d (at 14 h of light) to 3.71 d (at 11 h of light). The number of egg clutches per female per day varied between 0.19 (at 11 h or 14 h of light) and 0.40 (at 15 h of light). The interval between egg clutches ranged from 1.29 d (at 14 h of light) to 2.07 d (at 11 h of light). The variation in the number of eggs and egg clutches per female of P. nigrispinus in relation to their age varied according to the photophase to which they were exposed. The fecundity of P. nigrispinus females was higher in 15 h of light. These informations serve as a valuable ecological variable in modeling population dynamics of P. nigripinus, both in the field and in the laboratory, thereby contributing to the success of A. argillacea control programs.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Francisco de Sousa Ramalho, José Cola Zanuncio

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
population dynamics/epizootiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Podisus nigrispinus (predator)