Indirect Chilling Injury of Spodoptera exigua in Response to Long-Term Exposure to Sublethal Low Temperature

Abstract

We report indirect chilling injury, which is caused by the long-term exposure to the low temperature above freezing point, found in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Short (minute or hour) exposure to 5°C was not lethal to all stages of S. exigua. However, several day-exposure to 5°C gave significant nonfreezing injuries such as low egg hatchability, retarded larval development, and low pupation rates. Even though the larvae did not develop at 5°C, they used up their major nutrient reserves significantly. The mechanism of the indirect chilling injury of the beet armyworm was discussed on the basis of the oxidative stress hypothesis.