Comparison of Temperature-Dependent Growth Models with the Development of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Effects of temperature on egg, larval, and pupal developmental times of the grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana Dennis & Schiffermüller, were examined at several constant temperatures ranging from 8 to 34°C by 2°C increments, with a relative humidity of 65% and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Optimal temperatures for development ranged from 28 to 30°C. The lower and upper limits occurred between 8 and 12°C and between 32 and 34°C, respectively. The experimental conditions covering the complete temperature range for each stage allowed us to apply the data to 5 published equations describing the effect of constant temperatures on developmental rates of various insects. Criteria of choice from the literature were used to evaluate models and to select the most suitable equation for each developmental stage of L. botrana .

Lobesia botrana, temperature-dependent development, rate equations