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Effects of temperature and relative humidity on mating and survival of sterile Drosophila suzukii
Author(s) -
Krüger Alexandra P.,
Vieira Júlia G. A.,
Scheunemann Tiago,
Nava Dori E.,
Garcia Flávio R. M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1111/jen.12894
Subject(s) - drosophila suzukii , biology , sterile insect technique , mating , relative humidity , pest analysis , drosophilidae , drosophila (subgenus) , humidity , insect , zoology , horticulture , mating disruption , botany , toxicology , drosophila melanogaster , genetics , physics , gene , thermodynamics
Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a widely distributed pest species of soft‐skinned fruits. Recent studies suggest the use of sterile insect technique (SIT) as a control method for this species; however, many factors can impact effectiveness of a SIT programme, including the environmental conditions. Environmental condition is critical at the time of the release and in the days afterwards, since it may impact sterile insects’ survival and ability to mate. Thus, we verified the influence of temperature and relative humidity on mating and survival of fertile and sterile D. suzukii , when insects were food provided or deprived. Highest mating rates occurred when sterile or fertile flies provided with food were exposed to 25ºC or 81%–100% relative humidity, while temperatures of 10 and 35ºC and humidity below 60% impaired mating. Overall, mating rate among food‐deprived flies was low in all temperatures and humidity levels tested, but fertile insects were more prone to mate when compared to sterile flies. Survival was negatively influenced by high temperatures, low relative humidity and food deprivation. The information present in this study is useful to be considered for release of sterile D. suzukii .