Influence of Temperature, Humidity, and Plant Terpenoid Profile on Life History Characteristics of Boreioglycaspis melaleucae (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Invasive Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia

Abstract

We investigated how environmental variables influence development and survivorship of Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) by quantifying life history characteristics of adults, eggs, and nymphs when held at eight constant temperatures, four relative humidities, and on plants that differed in foliar terpenoid profiles. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that terpenoid profiles or humidity influence B. melaleucae development. Although longevity of adult psyllids is greater on plants that contain E-nerolidol versus viridiflorol profiles, this does not translate to a longer ovipositional period or increased fecundity. Similarly, humidity treatments had a limited and inconsistent effect on B. melaleucae developmental rates and nymphal survivorship. In contrast, developmental rates increased linearly with increasing temperature to an optimum 25°C, whereas greater temperatures caused total developmental rates to decrease. Temperature also affected nymphal survivorship, with no individuals completing development below 10 or above 30°C. Mean maximum daily temperatures in southern Florida commonly exceeded 30°C, with maximum temperatures ranging from 30 to 35°C (in Broward Co.) during 138 d in 2006. Therefore, we conclude that lethal upper temperature thresholds will limit population growth rates during summer.

Reading the Leaves’ Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic Gradient of Forest Layers

“…In contrast, limited and inconsistent effects are found for direct effects of humidity [15]. In contrast to temperature, under a wide range of humidity conditions there is no optimal level and herbivore insects can buffer humidity fluctuations [16].…”

Biological control of Melaleuca quinquenervia: an Everglades invader

“…Enormous populations developed during the spring dry season in all habitat types but populations declined during the summer rainy season. This was probably more of an effect of high temperatures rather than of precipitation (Chiarelli et al 2011). Psyllids caused high mortality of seedlings and premature leaf drop from mature trees (Franks et al 2006;Morath et al 2006).…”

“…The psyllid B. melaleucae completes development entirely on the host plant (Purcell et al 1997) so it was expected to establish over a broader range of habitat types, including permanently flooded areas (Wineriter et al 2003). It was also thought to be less sensitive to tree chemotype than O. vitiosa (Chiarelli et al 2011;Wheeler and Ordung 2005). Large populations were expected to develop quickly, forcing psyllids to feed on stems as well as young and mature foliage (Wineriter et al 2003) causing premature leaf drop and mortality of smaller plants.…”

“…Large populations were expected to develop quickly, forcing psyllids to feed on stems as well as young and mature foliage (Wineriter et al 2003) causing premature leaf drop and mortality of smaller plants. However, high temperatures and possibly rainfall seemed detrimental so it was thought that summer conditions might be limiting (Chiarelli et al 2011).…”

Establishment, Population Increase, Spread, and Ecological Host Range ofLophodiplosis trifida(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Biological Control Agent of the Invasive TreeMelaleuca quinquenervia(Myrtales: Myrtaceae)

“…Herbivore densities respond numerically to the dry season vegetative ßush but are poorly adapted to exploit the wet seasonal ßush, resulting in periods of escape and recovery by the target weed , Pratt et al 2005. This lack of population increase during the wet season may be attributed to increased precipitation and temperatures (Chiarelli et al 2011) that negatively affect herbivore survival. Hydrological patterns also inßuence persistence and the spatial extent of herbivory.…”