Effects of Constant Temperatures on Population Growth of Three Aphid Species, Toxoptera citricidus (KIRKALDY), Aphis citricola VAN DER GOOT and Aphis gossypii GLOVER (Homoptera : Aphididae) on Citrus

Abstract

Three species of aphid attacking on citrus were studied about effects of constant temperatures on population growth in growth cabinets. Pre-reproductive period, longevity, fecundity, age-specific survival rate and age-specific fecundity were calculated. From these data, the intrinsic rate of natural increase, net reproductive rate and mean generation time were estimated. Temperature at which the intrinsic rate of natural increase became maximum was near 27°C for Toxoptera citricidus and Aphis citricola, but for Aphis gossypii, this was near 22°C. From the curve of the intrinsic rate of natural increase, these species were compared with other aphid species and their adaptability to temperature was discussed.