Effects of temperature and photoperiod on development and oviposition of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

We investigated the effects of temperature and photoperiod on development and oviposition of Frankliniella occidentalis. Even though the developmental periods of eggs, larvae and pupae were shorter at 20°C than at 15°C, no significant difference in the developmental periods was observed between long photoperiod (16L:8D) and short photoperiod (10L:14D). The longevity of adult females was longer under short photoperiod than long photoperiod at 15°C. Fewer eggs were laid per female per day under short photoperiod than long photoperiod at 15°C, but no significant difference in the total number of eggs was observed between the two photoperiods. Furthermore, average pre-oviposition periods under short photoperiod were similar to those under long photoperiod at the same temperatures and adult females continuously oviposited at 15°C under both photoperiods. These results indicate that the F. occidentalis tested undergoes no reproductive diapause under short photoperiod.