| Abstrakt: |
Tobacco budworm larval feeding behavior and development rates were determined on field cotton at Phoenix, Ariz., during June, July, and August 1977. Effects of temperature and humidity on adult longevity and fecundity were investigated in the laboratory. In June, larvae spent significantly longer developmental times, feeding primarily on squares. Later, larvae fed on significantly more bolls, resulting in shorter developmental periods. The average duration of prepupal and pupal stages in the soil was similar for all infestation periods. Moths exposed to a constant temperature of 25°C exhibited the greatest fecundity; the least occurred at 35°C. Humidity was not a factor at either of these temperatures, but at 30°C significantly more eggs were laid at 65% relative humidity than at 25%. Longevity of both males and females declined as temperatures were increased. |
