Impact of Temperature Regimes on the Growth and Development of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri on Planococcus citri in Guava

Abstract

Under laboratory condition the developmental periods of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri was reduced to an extent of 22.7 days at 35°C when fed with Planococcus citri while it was maximum (39.0 days) at 20°C. The adult longevity ranged from 47.4 to 51.2 days at 25°C and was less (37.6 days) at 35°C for both the sexes. The number of eggs laid per female (328.5) and feeding potential (182.6 nos) were maximum at 30°C than at 20°C and 35°C.