Biology of the Planthopper Sogatella furcifera HORV. in Egypt (Horn., Delphacidae)

Abstract

The planthopper Sogatella furcifera (HORV.) was reared on wheat seedlings, inside large wire cages placed in the open, at Kafr-el-Sheikh, Egypt (about 130 Km north of Cairo). Egg incubation period averaged 7.1 days at 23-34 °C, 9.3 days at 17-28 °C and up to 21 days at 13-22 °C. Egg hatchability averaged 64.3-88.9%. Total nymphal durations were 13.8-15.4 days at 21-33 °C and 50.8-52.1 days at 14-23 °C. Adult longevity of males and females, respectively, averaged 12.8 and 18.7 days at 18-30 °C, and 34.5 and 41.9 days at 12-21 °C. Fecundity, under the above two conditions respectively, averaged 75.6 and 64.2 eggs/female/life. Oviposition sites, egg aggregation in the host plant and durations, mortality and moulting sites of the five nymphal instars are indicated. Eight successive generations of S. furcifera were reared in the wire cages from 14th October 1974 till 4th October 1975. The shortest generation (30 days) occurred in August at 23.9-32.8 °C, whereas the longest one (78 days) occurred in Dec.-Feb. at 12.8-22 °C.