Abstract
Some factors affecting oviposition by Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) were studied under various controlled conditions in the laboratory. The effect of temperature, relative humidity, light and mating on oviposition were investigated.
Temperatures of 25 and 30°C were optimal for oviposition. The best condition was 30°C and 80% r.h. at which an average of 315.3 eggs were laid per female during its lifetime. The least favourable temperatures investigated were 15 and 35°C. Relative humidity did not have significant effect on the number of eggs laid at 15 and 25°C but at higher temperatures of 30 and 35°C, high r.h. increased the number of eggs laid by individual moths.
Light regimes of 12 hr light and 12hr darkness (LD) and 24 hr darkness (DD) were more favourable than 24 hr light (LL) for oviposition.
Virgin females laid fewer eggs than mated females while prolonged virginity reduced the number of eggs laid and caused resorption of immature oocytes and retention of ripe eggs in the ovaries.
Résumé
Quelques facteurs affectant l’oviposition par les Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) ont été étudiés dans diverses conditions contrôlées au laboratoire. Les effets sur l’oviposition température, de l’humidité relative, de la lumière et de l’accouplement ont été examinés.
Les températures de 25°C et de 30°C étaient les plus favorables à l’oviposition. La meilleure condition était celle de 30°C 80% r.h. dans laquelle on a obtenu la moyenne de 315, 3 ouefs par femelle le long de sa vie. Les températures les moins favorables constatées étaient de 15 et 35°C. L’humidité relative n’a pas eu un effet significatif sur le nombre d’oeufs pondus à 15 et 25°C, mais aux températures plus élevées de 30 et 35°C une humidité relative élevée a augmenté le nombre d’oeufs pondus par chaque mite.
Les régimes d’illumination de 12 hr de lumière plus 12 hr d’obscurité (LD) et de 24 hr d’obscurité (DD) étaient plus favorables a’ l’oviposition que celui de 24 hr de lumière (LL).
Les femelles vierges ont pondu moins d’oeufs que les femelles accouplées tandis que la virginité prolongée a réduit le nombre d’oeufs pondus et a causé la résorption d’oocytes non mûris et la retention d’oeufs mûrs dans les ovaries.
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Mbata, G.N. Some Physical and Biological Factors Affecting Oviposition by Plodia Interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae). Int J Trop Insect Sci 6, 597–604 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400009176
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400009176