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Biology of the Cotton Stem-Weevil, Pempherulus affinis, Fst., under controlled physical Conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

P. N. Krishna Ayyar
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Coimbatore.
V. Margabandhu
Affiliation:
Agricultural Research Institute, Coimbatore.

Extract

1. This preliminary paper is an attempt to elucidate the intricate relationship existing between Pempherulus and its physical environments.

2. A convenient technique adapted for evaluating the effects of major climatic factors, such as humidity and temperature, in the case of Pempherulus has been described.

3. Its occurrence only in the irrigated crops is attributable to its high requirements of moisture.

4. A lengthy exposure is necessary to kill the adults in temperatures of 113° and 106°F. An exposure of 6 hours seems to kill them in 122°F. and 48 hours in 113°F. The upper thermal death-point lies roughly near 122°F.

5. The upper vital temperature limit is seen to lie near 100°F. It is indifferent to variation in humidity above 100°F.

6. Adult life is prolonged as the temperature is lowered (within a range descending from 122°F. to 91 °F.) from a longevity of 6 hours to a period of 98 days, respectively. A maximum longevity of over three months is obtained with oviposition, in a mean humidity of 73 per cent, and 91 °F. A high degree of humidity (such as 60 per cent, and 80 per cent.) is necessary in normal temperatures (such as 93°F.) for obtaining maximum adult longevity.

7. Within vital limits the optimum humidity requirements vary directly with the temperature. In 93°F. the optimum lies between 60 per cent, and 80 per cent. R.H. and in 100°F. between 80 per cent, and 100 per cent. R.H.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1941

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