Age specific fecundity of Lygus hesperus in high, fluctuating temperatures
USDA-ARS, Shafter, CA, USA
Correspondence: jsbancroft@pw.ars.usda.gov
We have simulated hourly temperatures to examine the response of Lygus hesperus to hot summers in the San Joaquin Valley. Constant temperature of 33°C quickly killed L. hesperus and San Joaquin Valley temperatures routinely surpass this level. Average hourly temperatures were tested for the months May, July, and September. Age specific fecundity was measured using our standard bean/sunflower seed diet. Intrinsic rate of increase was greatest in the July temperature treatment, with average temperature of 26.3°C Lygus hesperus was readily able to tolerate several hours above 34°C, the high temperature in the July treatment. The results show typical summer heat is likely to cause only a small adverse affect on Lygus populations, which corroborates observed seasonal population dynamics.
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