Temperature-Dependent Reproductive and Life Table Parameters ofElasmopalpus lignosellus(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sugarcane

Abstract

The lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Reproductive and life table parameters for E. lignosellus were examined at nine constant temperatures from 13 to 36 °C with sugarcane as the larval food source. The pre- and post-oviposition periods decreased with increasing temperatures and reached their minimums at 33 and 36 °C, respectively. The oviposition period was longest at 27 °C. The mean fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were greatest at 30 °C and decreased with increasing or decreasing temperature. The net reproductive rate (R0) was greatest at 27 °C. The Brière-1 model best described the relationship between temperature and r. The generation (T) and population doubling times (DT) were shortest at 33 and 30 °C, respectively. The temperatures around 27 to 30 °C are most favorable for E. lignosellus population growth and significant damage can be expected under these climatic conditions. This data in combination with population monitoring of E. lignosellus under field conditions can be effectively used in population predictions of this pest in field and severe damage can be prevented by timely implementation of control measures.