University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Phenology and Population Dynamics of the Squash Bug, Anasa Tristis

Fielding, Dennis Joseph

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/71112

Description

Title
Phenology and Population Dynamics of the Squash Bug, Anasa Tristis
Author(s)
Fielding, Dennis Joseph
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ruesink, William G.
Department of Study
Entomology
Discipline
Entomology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Entomology
Abstract
  • A computer model that simulates the population dynamics of the squash bug, Anasa tristis DeGeer (Heteroptera: Coreidae), was constructed and used to predict the effect of various management options and environmental factors on this pest of cucurbit crops. The life-history data required for the model were obtained by field and laboratory investigations into several processes that control the population dynamics of this species. These processes include: fecundity, mortality, developmental rates, and diapause induction.
  • Female squash bugs continue to oviposit at a constant, temperature-dependent rate throughout most of their adult life unless diapause is induced. The mean oviposition rate in the field was 0.32 eggs per female per degree-day above a base temperature of 3.4$\sp\circ$C. Egg and nymphal mortality rates were estimated from successive counts of eggs and each instar on selected pumpkin plants.
  • A degree-day model satisfactorily predicted rates of development for eggs in the field and under the alternating temperature regimes in the laboratory. A non-linear model fit to the rates of nymphal development at constant laboratory temperatures underestimated rates of development in the field and under the alternating temperature regimes in the laboratory. However, the degree of underestimation was consistent enough over a wide range of temperature regimes in the field for the model to be useful.
  • The induction of diapause was shown to be determined by the combined effects of photoperiod, temperature, and age of the bugs. Squash bugs proved to be sensitive to photoperiodic induction of diapause at all times during their adult life.
  • The effects of insecticide application schedules, planting dates, and various temperature regimes were evaluated using the model.
Graduation Semester
1988
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/71112

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Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Entomology