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Survival of the mosquito predator,Notonecta unifasciata[Hemiptera: Notonectidae] embryos at low thermal gradients

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Abstract

Notonecta unifasciata Guerin eggs maintained at different stages of embryonic development in water at variable temperatures (2.2–25.6 °C) and for periods of 4–12 weeks revealed maximum viability (>80 %) at the highest temperature. However, optimum nondevelopmental viability was at 14.4 °C with eight-day-old embryos (>35 %). Short term (4 weeks) storage at 14.4 °C significantly increased egg viability. Survival was poor (<20 %) at the 2 lowest temperatures. Eggs held at 14.4 °C for 12 weeks and sustainingca. 50 % mortality, may be a practical procedure for biological control.

Résumé

Les œufs deNotonecta unifasciata Guérin à différents stades de développment embryonnaire maintenus dans l'eau à des températures variables (2,2–25 °C) et durant de 4 à 12 semaines révèlent une viabilité maximale (>80 %) à la température la plus forte. Cependant, la viabilité optimale sans développement se situait à 14.4 °C avec des embryons âgés de 8 jours (>35 %). Un court stockage (4 semaines) à 14.4 °C augmente d'une façon significative la viabilité de l'œuf. La survie était faible (<20 %) aux 2 températures les plus basses.

Des œufs maintenus à 14.4 °C durant 12 semaines et supportant environ 50 % de mortalité peuvent être un procédé pratique de lutte biologique.

Resúmen

Huevecillos deNotonecta unifasciata mantenidos en varios estadios del desarrollo embrionarios y a varias temperaturas (2.2–25.6 °C) por 4–12 semanas, demostraron la mayor viabilidad (>80 %) a la temperatura más alta. Sín embargo, la óptima viabilidad cuando no hubo desarrollo, se realizó en embriones de ocho días de edad, mantenidos a 14.4 °C. Almacenamiento de corto tiempo (cuatro semanas) a 14.4 °C se produjo un significante aumento de viabilidad. Superviviencia fué baja (<20 %) a temperaturas menos de 8.3 °C. Se ofrece que huevecillos almacenados a 14.4 °C por 12 semanas, cuales se realizan un 50 % mortalidad, puede servir en la ejecución del control biológico.

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Author notes

  1. R. D. Sjogren (Director)

    Present address: Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, 2380 Wycliff St., 55114, St. Paul, MN

  2. E. F. Legner (Professor of Biological Control)

    Present address: University of California, 92521, Riverside, CA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of California, 92521, Riverside, CA

    R. D. Sjogren (Director) & E. F. Legner (Professor of Biological Control)

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  1. R. D. Sjogren
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  2. E. F. Legner
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Sjogren, R.D., Legner, E.F. Survival of the mosquito predator,Notonecta unifasciata[Hemiptera: Notonectidae] embryos at low thermal gradients. Entomophaga 34, 201–208 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372669

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372669

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