Effects of temperature and photoperiod on development of the oriental tea [Camellia sinensis] tortrix, Homona magnanima Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Developmental rates of the oriental tea tortrix, Homona magnanima, eggs, larvae, and pupae were determined at six constant temperatures: 15, 18, 20, 25, 28, and 30°C under a 16L-8D photoperiod regime. The developmental rates of eggs were higher at the higher temperatures, while those of larvae and pupae increased at temperatures up to 28°C and decreased at 30°C. The larval period was longer in females than in males, while the pupal period was longer in males than in females. The developmental zero and thermal constant were estimated to be 9.6°C and 107 degree days (DD) for the egg stage, 9.9°C and 260 DD for the larval stage and 9.9°C and 102 DD for the pupal stage. No significant differences were observed in the developmental rates of larvae under four different photoperiod regimes (8L-16D, 10L-14D, 12L-12D, and 14L-10D).