Population growth and development of Liposcelis obscura (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) at constant temperatures and relative humidities
Date
2021Author
Ocran, Abena F.
Opit, George P.
Arthur, Franklin H.
Kard, Brad M.
Noden, Bruce H.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The effects of nine temperatures (22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, 35.0, 37.5, 40.0, and 42.5 degrees C) and four relative humidities (RHs; 43, 55, 63, and 75%) on the population growth and development of the parthenogenetic Liposcelis obscura Broadhead (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) were investigated in laboratory studies. Results showed that L. obscura did not survive at 43% RH at all temperatures tested. At 55% RH, L. obscura survived at 22.5, 25, and 27.5 degrees C; none survived at 42.5 degrees C and </=63% RH. Population growth was highest at 40.0 degrees C and 75% RH, where population increase was 216-fold from an initial population of five adult females. Liposcelis obscura has three-to-five nymphal instars, and the percentages of individuals with three, four, and five instars were 52, 41, and 7%, respectively. Temperature-dependent developmental equations were developed for L. obscura eggs, individual nymphal, combined nymphal, and combined immature stages. Liposcelis obscura populations grew much faster at 30-42.5 degrees C and 75% RH. Based on the equation for total developmental time, the predicted optimal development temperature is 39.2 degrees C and development was completed in 14.0 d. The upper developmental threshold was estimated as 47.1 degrees C. The lower developmental threshold was estimated as 14.7 degrees C. These data provide a better understanding of L. obscura population dynamics and can be used to develop effective management strategies for this psocid.
Citation
Ocran, A. F., Opit, G. P., Arthur, F. H., Kard, B. M., & Noden, B. H. (2021). Population growth and development of Liposcelis obscura (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) at constant temperatures and relative humidities. Journal of Stored Products Research, 92, Article 101807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2021.101807