Effect of temperature and photoperiod on reproductive parameters of Ephestia kuehniella under laboratory condition.

Introduction

Ephestia kuehniella, is a cosmopolitan and highly significant pest of stored products, particularly flour.

Material and Methods

This study investigates the effects of temperature and light cycle (continuous darkness and 16L:8D photoperiod) on the reproductive parameters of this species under laboratory conditions.

Result and Discussion

The highest values for gross fecundity and fertility rate were observed at 25°C, which differed from the values recorded at other temperatures. The lowest values for these parameters were found at 15°C. The number of eggs laid per female per day increased with increasing temperatures up to 25°C, after which it declined at higher temperatures, peaking at 25°C (35.92 eggs). Statistical comparisons showed that gross and net fecundity and fertility rates were lower under complete darkness and higher under the 16:8 photoperiod. While there was no difference in the number of eggs laid per female per day between the two light cycles, the number of fertile eggs laid per female per day increased under the 16:8 photoperiod.

Conclusion

These findings provide a better understanding of the population dynamics of the Mediterranean flour moth and can be used to optimize mass rearing systems for this species.