Influence of environmental factors on the growth and development of groundnut bruchid Caryedon serratus (Olivier) in storage.

摘要

Studies undertaken on the growth and development of Caryedon serratus (Olivier) at different levels of temperature (20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C) and RH (60, 70 and 80%) indicated that the total developmental period was minimum (33.50 days) at 35 degrees C and 80% RH and maximum (185.30 days) at 20 degrees C and 60% RH. The combination of 30 degrees C and 70% RH was proved propitious for egg laying (63.84 eggs). An overall analysis of effect of temperature and humidity on developmental period and the survival revealed that increasing temperature and humidity favoured the development. However, optimum combination of 30 degrees C and 70% RH was most conducive for the growth and development giving rise to the highest survival percentage (83.70). The fecundity was adversely affected at extreme temperature of 20 and 30 degrees C. In contrast, the intermediate temperature range of 25 to 30 degrees C was congenial for egg laying. Lower temperature with 60 to 80% RH proved propitious for adult survival.