Influence of temperature and relative humidity on the adult longevity and progeny production of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera : Tephritidae), pest of cucurbits

Date

6-2016

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Entomology

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Flor A. Ceballo

Abstract

The adult lifespan and reproductive performance of Bactrocera cucurbitae under cyclically varying levels of temperature and relative humidity were assessed. The pest population was collected from field infested wild cucumber and some were obtained from the reared population in A-325 Insect Behavior Laboratory which served as stock culture. Laboratory assessment on the influence of varied humidities and temperatures on the lifespan and lifetime productivity of the melon fruit fly revealed a low tolerance for high temperature with reduced reproductive output. At temperature of 30oC, the lifespan of the adult B. cucurbitae was longest at 52 days with an average of 33.97 ±2.16 days for females but was significantly reduced to a maximum of 11 days having an average of 6.27 ±0.94 days when the adults were exposed to 36oC. Potential fecundity (mature ovarian eggs) and longevity were significantly higher at temperatures 30oC and 34oC compared to 36oC. Adult fruit flies lived for an average of 13 days under dry (12%) conditions that resulted to a decrease in its lifetime fecundity (62.50 ±4.09 eggs) and 15 days under humid (75%) conditions. The potential fecundity of the female adult fruit flies was not significantly affected at 12% and 75%RH.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2016 A3 /A33

Document Type

Thesis

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