Determination of fitness traits of <i>Orius strigicollis</i> Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on <i>Pectinophora gossypiella</i> (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using two-sex life table analysis

Abstract

The intrinsic rate of increase (<i>r</i>) was higher at 28 °C (0.14 d^-1) than at 24 °C (0.0052 d^-1) and 32 °C (0.12 d^-1). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (<i>R</i> ₀) was higher at 28 °C (17.63 offspring) than at 24 °C (1.13 offspring) and 32 °C (10.23 offspring). This concluded that the maximum feeding potential and growth capacity of <i>O. strigicollis</i> could be attained at 28 °C when fed on <i>P. gossypiella</i> eggs. <i>O. strigicollis</i> adults preferred to feed on <i>P. gossypiella</i> eggs compared with first instar larvae. Based on these results, the present study suggests that <i>O. strigicollis</i> represents a promising biological control agent against <i>P. gossypiella</i> eggs in cotton fields.