Effect of Different Constant Temperatures on Biology of Schizaphis Graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Barley, Hordeum Vulgare L. (Poaceae) in Iran

The temperature dependent biology of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rondani on Kavir barley cultivar was studied at seven constant temperatures including 10, 15, 19, 22, 26, 31, and 33±1°C, 70% relative humidity (RH), and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. The period of immature development ranged between 6.60 days at 26°C to 28.56 days at 10°C, respectively. All tested aphids failed to develop at 33°C. The calculated rm and λ values were significantly the highest at 26°C and lowest at 10°C, respectively. The mean generation time and doubling time of S. graminum decreased linearly by increasing the temperature from 10 to 26°C. Additionally, the total number of offsprings per female was extremely low at 10 and 31°C, contrary to the highest and lowest values of life expectancy at 10°C (41.73 days) and 31°C (7.66 days), respectively. The results of the present study revealed that temperature had great effects on biology of S. graminum, which was never previously studied on barley in Iran.