Interactions of temperature and squash bug density (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on growth of seedling squash

A laboratory study was conducted to quantify the relationship of adult squash bug, Anasa tristis (DeGeer), density to summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var Hyrific) plant damage. This relationship was investigated at five temperatures (20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, and 30.0 degrees C) and four adult squash bug densities (none, two, four, and six). Vegetative growth rates and ovulate flower productivity decreased with increasing squash bug density; staminate flower productivity was not significantly affected by squash bug density. Growth rates and ovulate and staminate flower productivity increased with increasing temperatures. Squash bug mortality was highest at 25.0 degrees C and lowest at 22.5 degrees C. Female squash bug mortality was significantly higher when there were only two squash bugs per plant. The number of mean eggs per female increased with temperature and was unaffected by squash bug density