Parameter estimation for temperature-driven immature development and oviposition models of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae) in the laboratory

This study was carried out to develop temperature-driven immature development and oviposition models of citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton. Previously published data sets were used to estimate each model. The lower developmental threshold temperatures for eggs, larvae, and pupae were calculated using linear model to be 8.8, 7.1, and 12.4°C, respectively. Thermal constants for eggs, larvae, and pupae were 52.2, 108.2, and 88.9 degree-days, respectively. Non-linear model (Logan model modified with three parameters) fitted well for the relationship between development rate and temperature for eggs, larvae and pupae. Aging rate (1/female adult longevity) model was estimated and used to calculate the physiological age of female P. citrella adults. Temperature-dependent components (total fecundity, age-specific cumulative oviposition rate, and age-specific survival rate) were then developed for the oviposition models of P. citrella. Based on the estimated total fecundity model, the highest total number of eggs laid by a female was approximately 59.5 at temperature of approximately 26.6°C. Sixty percent of total eggs were laid at approximately physiological age of 0.82 in the oviposition rate model. Fifty percent mortality occurred at ≈0.91 physiological age in the survival rate model. Finally, we provided oviposition density curves by incorporating all oviposition component models. Also, thermal fitness curve expressed by the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) versus temperature predicted a maximum rm of 0.2792 at 31.7°C. Consequently, these temperature-driven models estimated in this study can be used to predict phenological events and/or to construct population model for P. citrella in the future. [Display omitted] •The lower thresholds for eggs, larvae, and pupae were 8.8, 7.1, and 12.4°C, respectively.•Thermal constants were 52.2DD for eggs, 108.2DD for larvae, and 88.9 for pupae.•Non-linear development models were provided for each stage of P. citrella.•Temperature-dependent component models were developed for female adult oviposition.