Temperature-Dependent Demography and Population Projection of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidea) reared on Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

Tamarixia radiata Waterson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidea) is the principal natural enemy used for the control of the major citrus pest Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). In this study, we collected the life-history data of T. radiata at four different temperatures (20, 27.5, 30, and 35 degrees C) and analyzed them by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The longest preadult developmental time (16.53 d) was observed at 20 degrees C, whereas the shortest one was 7.29 d at 35 degrees C. The preadult development rate was well-fitted to a linear equation. The lower threshold temperature (T-0) was 7.85 degrees C and the thermal summation (K) was 193.36 degree-day. The highest fecundity (F) was 322.7 eggs per female was at 27.5 degrees C, whereas the lowest one was 10.8 eggs per female at 35 degrees C. The net reproductive rate (R-0) were 70.97, 169.42, 55.70, and 3.25 offspring at 20, 27.5, 30, and 35 degrees C, respectively; the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were 0.1401, 0.3167, 0.3517, and 0.1143 d(-1), respectively. The highest values of fecundity, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were observed at 27.5 degrees C. The relationships among F, R-0, N-f, and N in all treatments were consistent with R-0 = F x (N-f/N). The age of peak reproductive value was close to the total preoviposition period in all treatments. Population projections based on the age-stage, two-sex life table showed the dynamics of stage structure and its variability. Faster population growth was observed at 27.5 and 30 degrees C.