Influence of Soil Type and Rainfall on Pupal Survival and Adult Emergence of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Southern Florida

摘要

Soil and rainfall influences on pupal survival and adult emergence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were studied in subtropical Florida. Increasing amounts of simulated rainfall, from 0-8 cm, significantly reduced adult emergence, whereas the effect of soil type (limestone and marl) was not significant in a greenhouse test. A field study evaluated the influence of soil type under natural conditions of temperature and rainfall over a 14-month period. Experiment date, soil type, and the date x soil interaction significantly affected adult emergence. Adult emergence was significantly greater in marl soil than limestone soil on 5 of 8 dates. These data indicate that soil type and environmental factors, such as precipitation and temperature, are likely involved in affecting pupal survival and adult emergence of the fall armyworm in southern Florida.