Biological Aspects, Thermal Requirements and Life Table Parameters of Tenuipalpus Punicae Pritchard & Baker, 1958 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Pomegranate Over Different Temperatures in Assiut, Egypt

Abstract

Relationships between the biotic potential of pomegranate false spider mite, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker, 1958 and temperature was studied at constant temperature conditions of 20 35oC. Optimum temperatures range for T. punicae was 30 35°C. The shortest Pre-oviposition period, the greatest egg-laying capacity and immature stages development, optimum conditions were noticed at 35oC followed by 30oC. Complete age-specific fecundity schedules and life table parameters were computed from these data for each of four temperatures. The shortest developmental duration reached was 12.56 & 9.63 days for female and male at 35oC. The highest total mean fecundity rate was 13.13 eggs/female with a daily rate of 1.59 eggs/female/day was at 30oC. The thermal constants (K) were 56.82, 100.80, 83.93, 122.23, 345.97, 419.22, 308.60 and 648.66 (DDs) for the previous stages as physiological times required for this species phenomena. The maximum values of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ) was obtained at 35oC (i.e. 0.120 and 1.12 individuals/female/day). The gross reproductive rate (GRR) was the highest at 35oC as 16.4 eggs/female/generation. The shortest time for population density doubling (DT) was 5.77 days at 35oC.