Author(s): BERTIN, A.; LERIN, S.; BOTTON, M.; PARRA, J. R. P.

Summary: Temperature is an important climate factor that has a direct influence on insect biology and consequently a crucial role in forecasting and integrated pest management. The mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is one of the most common species in Brazilian vineyards. Here, development and survival of D . brevipes on leaves of table grapes ( Vitis vinifera cv. Itália) were studied at five constant tem- peratures (15, 20, 25, 28, and 30 ± 1°C) under laboratory conditions. We investigated the developmental time and nymphal survival, temperature thresholds, and the degree-day requirements for each life stage of D . brevipes . The developmental time for the nymphal stage ranged from 32 to 130 days with decreasing the temperature, with the temperatures of 28 and 30°C providing the shorter developmental time. Survival of the entire nymphal stage was affected by the temperature, ranging from 81% at 20°C to 1% at 15°C. The predicted upper lethal temperature was 34.5°C, while the optimal temperature was 28.6°C. The minimum threshold for total devel- opment of D . brevipes occurred at 8.2°C. Dysmicoccus brevipes required 678.4 degree-days to complete development from first-instar nymph to adult. The temperature of 30°C was the most suitable for the development of D . brevipes. The thermal thresholds estimated for D . brevipes life cycle suggest that this species can develop in different table grape-producing regions of Brazil, in a temperature range between 8 and 35°C.

Publication year: 2018

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Grape & Wine

Keywords: Dysmicoccus Brevipes, Insect biology, Lower developmental threshold, Optimal temperature, Pineapple mealybug, Thermal constant, Vitis Vinifera