Biological traits of Epitrix papa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), a new potato pest in Europe, and implications for pest management

Abstract

AbstractThe biological traits of Epitrix papa were studied at different temperatures. Development time decreased significantly with increasing temperature, from 102.3 days at 15 °C to 29.7 days at 30 °C. The preoviposition period ranged from 7.2 to 19.9 days, the oviposition period from 44 to 115 days, and the fecundity from 63.7 to 190.2 eggs per female, respectively, at 15 and 25 °C. Eggs hatched in 7–9 days and 50.1% developed to adults. Female longevity ranged from 150 and 160 days at 15 °C to 60 days at 22 and 25 °C. At 20 °C, both sexes had a similar life span of approximately 90 days but, at 15 °C, males had a significantly longer life span (189 days) than females (150 days). The development rate (y) was related to temperature (x) by the function y = 0.0016× −0. 013 (r2 = 0.921), the lower developmental threshold was 8.1 °C and 625 degree‐days were required for completing development. Based on this model, three or four generations per year were predicted in Central Portugal, although only the first‐ and second‐generation larvae develop during the main cropping season. By predicting the emergence of first‐generation adults, the model provides a tool for improving the pest management strategy.