Effect of temperature on the biology of Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on pomegranate

The effect of temperature on development time, reproductive capacity, and rate of survival for Aphis punicae was studied at five different (constant) temperatures (17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, and 27.5degreesC). The development period for immature instar stages ranged from 11.72 d at 17.5degreesC to 4.30 d at 27.5degreesC. The lowest developmental threshold was 11.8degreesC, and the thermal constant (K) was 66.4 DD. The percentage survivorship of immature stages varied from 72.0 to 90.0% over a temperature range of 17.5-27.5degreesC. The average longevity of adult females was 16.50, 17.17, 18.16, 12.04, and 8.91 d at temperatures of 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, and 27.5degreesC, respectively. The average number of offspring produced by a single female was 14.65,22.68,31.34,21.31, and 11.27 at temperatures of 17.5,20,22.5. 25, and 27.5degreesC, respectively. The greatest r(m) (0.3292) was observed at 25degreesC. The optimal temperature for A. punicae growth, development, and reproduction was 22.5-25degreesC.