Influence of temperature on the development, reproduction and longevity of Ceratothripoides claratris (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on tomatoes

Abstract

Ceratothripoides claratris (Shumsher) is a serious pest attacking tomatoes in Thailand. Temperature-dependent development of C. claratris was studied at seven constant temperatures, i.e. 22, 25, 27, 30, 34, 35 and 40°C. Pre-adult survivorship was greatest (95%) at 25 and 30°C and shortest at 22°C. Egg-to-adult time decreased within the range of 20 to 30°C and at 34°C it started to increase. The lower thermal threshold for egg-to-adult development was estimated at 16 and 18°C by linear regression and the modified Logan model, respectively. The optimum temperature for egg-to-adult development was estimated at 32-33°C by the modified Logan model. The influence of temperature on reproduction and longevity of C. claratris was determined at 25, 30 and 35 and 40°C. Both inseminated and virgin females failed to reproduce at 40°C. Virgin females produced only male offspring, confirming arrhenotoky. The sex ratio of the offspring of fertilized females was strongly female-biased, except at 25°C. Mean total fecundity per female and mean daily total fecundity per female were highest for both virgin and inseminated females at 30°C. Female longevity was longest at 25°C and shortest at 40°C. Male longevity was longest at 30°C and shortest at 40°C. The net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was greatest at 30°C while, mean generation time (G) and the doubling time (f) were highest at 25°C. The finite rate of increase (λ) was fairly constant (1.1-1.5 days) over the three temperatures tested. The pest potential of C. claratris for tropical Asia is discussed.