Effect of diet and temperature on the development and survival of Closterotomus trivialis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract: The phytophagous plant bug Closterotomus trivialis (Costa) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. It is a polyphagous species commonly recorded on olive (Olea europaea L.), citrus, as well as on wild growing plants such as Urtica sp., Parietaria officinalis L., Mercurialis annua L., and Sinapis sp. Survival and developmental duration of C. trivialis nymphs on the olive cv. 'Koroneiki', the sweet orange cv. 'Washington Navel', as well as on M. annua, U. urens, P. officinalis and S. alba were studies under four constant temperatures, 15, 20, 24 and 27 °C with 60 ± 5% RH and 14 L:10 D h photoperiod. The relationship between the developmental rate and temperature was estimated using the linear model. Results demonstrated that C. trivialis can successfully complete its development on all tested host plants, except on the U. urens at 15 and 20 °C. The effect of the host plant and much more the effect of temperature were significant during the nymphal development of C. trivialis. The temperature threshold for nymphal development was found to differ among the host plants. The assessment of the nymphal development in various host plants and temperatures is particularly important for understanding the insect biology and provides useful information to optimize the management strategy under integrated pest management system.