Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Tables of Anthocoris minki pistaciae (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) Reared on Agonoscena pistaciae (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) at Three Constant Temperatures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is the most important pest of pistachio trees in Iran and the world. Anthocoris minki pistaciae Wagner (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is a predator of A. pistaciae. Biological characteristics of this predatory bug were determined at three constant temperatures (17, 26 and 30 ± 2°C), 55 ± 5% R.H., and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). Data were analyzed by age-stage, two-sex life table to assess the variable developmental rates. Pre-adult developmental time of this predator at 17, 26 and 30°C were 24.5, 15.2 and 14.2 d, respectively. Adult longevities were 61.8, 51.9 and 43.7 d for males, and 60.3, 49.2 and 43 d for females at 17, 26 and 30°C, respectively. Fecundity at 17, 26 and 30°C were 50.3, 51.9 and 41.6 eggs/female, respectively. Intrinsic rates of increase (r) were 0.0707, 0.1042 and 0.1102 d–1 at 17, 26 and 30°C, respectively. The mean generation time (T) was 27.3 d (the shortest time) at 30°C and 42 d (the longest time) at 17°C. The net reproductive rate (R 0), the age-stage-specific fecundity (fxj), age-specific fecundity (mx) and age-specific maternity (lxmx) at 26°C were higher than those at 17 and 30°C. This research suggests that this predator can retain higher population densities at 26°C than at the other temperatures tested. Results of this study provide the biological basis for using A. minki pistaciae in a biological control program against A. pistaciae in pistachio orchards.