INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VIRUS DISEASE OF NEODIPRION SWAINEI (HYMENOPTERA: TENTHREDINIDAE)
AbstractThe effect of temperatures on the development of a virus disease of Neodiprion swainei Midd. was studied at constant temperatures of 30° and 12 °C., and under fluctuating temperatures (15°–20 °C.) in the laboratory and outdoors. Viral concentrations of 30 × 106 polyhedra per ml. and 1 × 106 polyhedra per ml. were used. Only the higher concentration of virus was effective at 30 °C. At 12 °C. the incubation period of the disease was prolonged and mortality caused by the virus was considerably reduced for both viral concentrations. Mortality due to the virus was similar at both viral concentrations for the fluctuating temperatures which were within the optimum temperature range for larval development.