The population dynamics and natural mortality of the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus Lignosellus, in the peanut agroecosystem and the biology of selected primary parasites /

The population dynamics and natural mortality of the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus Lignosellus, in the peanut agroecosystem and the biology of selected primary parasites /

The temporal distribution of the lesser cornstalk borer (LCB), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), was variable in selected peanut fields during 1975-1977. Three distinct generations occurred in 1975 and 2 in 1976. Generations overlapped in 1977 with the egg population assuming an exponential rate of...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Johnson, S. J. (Seth J.)
Other Authors: Burke, H. R. (degree committee member.), Frederiksen, R. A. (degree committee member.), Gilstrap, F. E. (degree committee member.), Sweet, M. H. (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: [College Station, Tex.] : Johnson, 1978.
Subjects:
Parasitic insects.
Peanuts > Diseases and pests.
Major entomology.
Academic theses.
Online Access:Link to ProQuest copy.
Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Summary:The temporal distribution of the lesser cornstalk borer (LCB), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), was variable in selected peanut fields during 1975-1977. Three distinct generations occurred in 1975 and 2 in 1976. Generations overlapped in 1977 with the egg population assuming an exponential rate of growth. The density of egg populations was highest in mid-late August of each year. Ecological life tables were constructed from the population data for the generations of 1975-1977. Real mortality (100rx) was variable as indicated by the following values for each life stage: egg and just-hatched larval stage, 49.7-86.8%; medium larval stage 2.3-34.5%; large larval stage, 1.1-26.7%; and pupa, 0-2.9%. Total real mortality for the generations ranged between 87.0-99.9%. A rich fauna of natural enemies was found associated with LCB in peanuts, including 9 species of parasites, 2 pathogens and 3 predator complexes. However, parasitism and disease contributed little to total generation mortality. Parasitism of larvae of medium size based on real mortality ranged from 0.3-2.3% and 0-2.7% for large larvae. Mortality due to disease in the medium and large larval stages varied between 0-6.7% and 0-1.75%, respectively.
Item Description:"Major subject: Entomology."
Vita.
Physical Description:xi, 112 leaves : graphs ; 28 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-111).