Abstract
Abstract Megalurothrips sjostedti is an economic pest of cowpea in tropical Africa. There are no reports of the effect of temperature on the development of the pest and no diapause has been detected. The developmental rate and reproduction of M. sjostedti was studied under six constant temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 °C ) and a photoperiod of L12:D12 in the laboratory. Total developmental time ranged from 33.1 days at 14 °C to 19.2 days at 26 °C. At 29 °C, all larvae died during hatching. Egg, larval and pupal stages required 94.3, 97.1 and 105.3 deg‐days (DD) above a threshold of 8.2, 9.1 and 10.4 °C, respectively, to complete development. Total developmental cycle was completed at 163.9 DD above a threshold of 12.6 °C. Adult longevity was lowest (11.1 days) at 29 °C and highest (28.7 days) at 14 °C. At constant temperatures, the highest pre‐oviposition period was observed at 29 °C under a photoperiod of L16:D8. Egg production also ceased at this temperature/photoperiod combination. Total fecundity was highest at 26 °C under L10:D14. At cyclical temperatures, pre‐oviposition period was longest (12.4 days) at 20/29 °C under L16:D8. Total fecundity was highest (168.4 eggs) at 14/26 °C under L10:D14, and lowest (8.2 eggs) at 20/29 °C under L16:D8. The significance of these findings in the management of M. sjostedti is discussed.
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