Effect of Temperature on Development of Diadegma semiclausum during Cocoon Period

Abstract

The developmental traits of Diadegma semiclausum at the cocoon period were examined with a view to the effective use of wasps, which were produced in seasons when they were not released in the field as a biological control agent for DBM. The DsTT1 strain of D. semiclausum could grow in the temperature range from 10 to 30°C during the cocoon period. There was no emerging individual at 5°C. The temperature threshold and thermal constant were respectively 8.00°C and 126.27 degree days for the females, and 8.05°C and 123.49 degree days for the males. Although the eclosion rate was decreased approximately 20%, rearing the cocoon at 10°C was possible to extend the cocoon period of 30 days or more compared with that at 20°C.