Effects of Cold Storage on Egg Viability of the Cabbage Looper and Some Aspects of the Biology of the Progeny Survivors12

Abstract

One-week storage at 41°F did not affect the viability Of eggs of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hiibner). After longer storage, viability decreased rapidly with a concomitant increase in death when the head capsule and prothoracic shield were visible within the chorion. Storage at 51±1°F did not affect the viability of 1- or 3-day-old eggs, but viability decreased slightly with 2- day-old eggs. Some 2- and 3-day-old eggs hatched in storage at this temperature. Embryogenesis was not completely suppressed at either 41° or 51°F, and some differential response of eggs of different ages was noted. The effects on subsequent larval development, pupal yields, and weights of the 2 generations following cold storage of the eggs were variable.