Mathematical Models for Predicting Development of Orius majusculus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) and Its Applicability to Biological Control

Abstract

Complete development of Orius majusculus Reuter (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) at nine constant temperatures, between 12 and 34°C, was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The maximum developmental period of 90.75 d occurred at 12°C, whereas the minimum of 11.34 d occurred at 30°C. From 30 to 34°C, the developmental period increased to 13.50 d. Between 21 and 33°C the survival rate was more than 80%. The optimal temperature when considering developmental rate and survival was between 24 and 30°C. At constant temperatures, four models were developed, one of which was linear and three nonlinear (Logan type III, Lactin, and Brière). All models were validated under field conditions and diel temperature variations. The values of the adjusted determination coefficients of the linear (>0.77) and nonlinear models (>0.93) were high. The thermal requirement for complete development, from egg to adult, was 284.5 degree-days (DD). In all nonlinear models, elevated levels of accuracy (≥90.31%) in field validation were also obtained, especially in the Brière model. With the results obtained herein, the optimization of O. majusculus mass rearing, its ideal use, and field management in biological control strategies can be improved.

Thermal performance under constant temperatures can accurately predict insect development times across naturally variable microclimates

“…For example, behavioural thermoregulation could superficially cause deviations from the null hypothesis (given Jensen's inequality) by creating a discrepancy between measured temperatures and actual body temperatures (Ma et al, 2021; Woods et al, 2015). Indeed, with robust methodology (see Box 1), inherent effects of thermal fluctuations (Milosavljević et al, 2020) stand out as the exception rather than the rule (Khelifa et al, 2019; Ludwig & Cable, 1933; Martínez‐García et al, 2018). This is corroborated by the similarities between simulated and observed differences in development times between fluctuating and constant temperatures across a large number of studies, species and thermal regimes (Figure 5).…”

Demographic Evaluation of the Control Potential of Orius minutus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) Preying on Dendrothrips minowai Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) at Different Temperatures

“…For example, Orius strigicollis as a BCA has been reported for the thermal influence on the population growth without considering the simultaneous alert on its prey Pectinophora gossypiella at three constant temperatures (24,28, and 32 • C) [17]. Growth and development of Orius majusculuss were evaluated under nine constant temperature conditions ranging from 12 to 34 • C [18].…”