Abstract
Abstract The optimal environmental conditions for rearing the balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), on its natural host, Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir, was determined by varying temperature, photoperiod, and humidity as well as by evaluating texture and geotaxic preferences. Five locations with a set temperature and relative humidity (RH) were chosen to test for optimal environmental conditions: three environmental chambers maintained at 17, 20, and 25°C with 75% RH; an insectary maintained at 21.1°C and 72% RH; and a greenhouse with varying temperature and RH levels. Overall, 20°C appeared to be the optimal temperature for development, and 25°C was the least favorable of the temperatures tested. Comparing Fraser fir cuttings to seedlings, seedlings (15.51/cm) were five times more infested than cuttings (3.02/cm), and the percentage of adult survival was higher on seedlings (67%) than on cuttings (17%). The highest percentage of adelgids reaching full developme...
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