Biology and Fertility Life Tables for Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Reared on Three Olive Cultivars and Privet

Effect of Different Thermal Conditions on Biology and Number of Generations of Palpita forficifera (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

“…In a previous study, P. forficifera reared on the olive cv. 'Koroneiki' at 25 °C produced a net reproductive rate of 106.58, which is close to that found in this study of 121.5 (Scheunemann et al 2019).…”

“…In the field, P. forficifera caterpillars feed on olive tree leaves, particularly those located in apical regions of the plant and shooting buds (Scheunemann et al 2020). During the feeding process, there is a formation of webs over the leaves, which causes them to close (Scheunemann et al 2017). This ecological relationship between insect and plant may provide an adequate microclimate, allowing the pest to survive through critical periods for the development of the species, especially during cold seasons (May through Jul) (temperatures lower than or close to 10 °C).…”

“…Insects were fed an aqueous solution of 10% honey and water. To collect eggs, a substrate made of tulle fabric (SSediada, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil) was placed on top of the cage; above the fabric, a filter paper disc (15 cm diam) and a wet vegetable sponge cloth (Spontex, PaneSponja, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil) was employed to maintain egg viability (Scheunemann et al 2019). The filter paper containing the eggs was removed daily and placed inside a Petri dish (10 cm diam × 1 cm high) so eclosion would occur.…”

“…One of the most common phytosanitary issues of olive tree cultivation (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) in Brazil and Uruguay has been the occurrence of the olive tree caterpillar, Palpita forficifera Munroe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (Ricalde et al 2014), a species indigenous to South America that, in recent years, has become the principal pest of the crop (Scheunemann et al 2017(Scheunemann et al , 2019. The damage caused by the caterpillars is due to feeding on tender buds, compromising production in the following yr (Scheunemann et al 2019). In higher infestations they also can damage fruits, reducing the quality of olives and olive oils (Scheunemann et al 2017).…”

“…The damage caused by the caterpillars is due to feeding on tender buds, compromising production in the following yr (Scheunemann et al 2019). In higher infestations they also can damage fruits, reducing the quality of olives and olive oils (Scheunemann et al 2017).…”