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Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the development and fecundity of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2011

A. Tamiru*
Affiliation:
International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
E. Getu
Affiliation:
Addis Ababa University, Department of Biology, PO Box 33244, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
B. Jembere
Affiliation:
Addis Ababa University, Department of Biology, PO Box 33244, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
T. Bruce
Affiliation:
Rothamsted Centre for Sustainable Pest and Disease Management, Department of Biological Chemistry, Harpenden, Herts AL52JQ, UK
*
*Author for correspondence Fax: +254 20 863 2001/2 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The spotted stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most important insect pests attacking maize and sorghum in Ethiopia. Recent studies have indicated that the pest is spreading to new locations where it was not reported before. In the current study, laboratory investigations were carried out to determine the combined effect of different levels of relative humidity and temperature regimes on the development and fecundity of C. partellus, as these physical factors are known to play an important role in the life cycle of insects and adaptability to local climate. Developmental time, longevity, potential fecundity and realized fecundity of C. partellus were measured under controlled conditions. Three temperature regimes (22°C, 26°C and 30°C) and three relative humidity levels (40%, 60% and 80%) were tested. It was found that temperature, relative humidity (RH) and their interaction significantly affected the developmental time, adult longevity, potential fecundity and realized fecundity of the pest. Developmental time was inversely related to temperature. Mean duration of C. partellus life cycle was 70.2 days at 22°C and 80% RH, whereas it took only 26.5 days to complete its life cycle at 30°C and 40% RH. Male and female longevity were similar in most cases. The adult life span ranged between 6.9–11.1 days at 22°C and 3.1–7.2 days at 30°C for different levels of relative humidity. The most suitable conditions for C. partellus development and fecundity were 26–30°C temperatures regimes and 60–80% RH levels.

Type
Research Paper
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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