Laboratory biology of the dusky sap beetle and field interaction with the corn earworm in ears of sweet corn

Authors

  • George Tamake Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory Agricultural Research Service USDA Yakima, WA
  • Lee Fox Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory Agricultural Research Service USDA Yakima, WA
  • Paul Featherstone Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory Agricultural Research Service USDA Yakima, WA

Keywords:

dusky sap beetle, <i>Carpophilus lugubris</i>, corn earworm, <i>Heliothis zea</i>, <i>Orius tristicolor</i>

Abstract

The developmental rates of the egg, larval and pupal stages of the dusky sap beetle, <i>Carpophilus lugubris</i> Murray, reared on artificial diet at 21°C were 4.04. 22.27. and 9.2 days, respectively, a total of 35.5 days. The mean lifetime of adult females was 263 days, or about 110 days longer than previously reported. Its population growth statistics were as follows: intrinsic rate of increase = 0.34( Q/ Q/week, generation time 12.20 weeks. and net reproductive rate = 63.1 Q/ 2 /week. Field studies established that the sap beetles can successfully invade ears of corn throughout the season in the absence of corn earworms, <i>Heliothis zea</i> (Boddie). However, more sap beetles were found in ears infested with corn earworm than in ears not so infested. Eggs of <i>Geocoris</i> sp. were more abundant in infested ears with corn earworms and sap beetles than in uninfested ears: however adults of <i>Orius tristicolor</i> (white) did not display such a preference.

References

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Published

2019-09-06

Issue

Vol. 79 (1982): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

Section

Articles

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