Influence of Temperature on the Development, Fecundity, and Longevity of the Artichoke Plume Moth 12

Development of the artichoke plume moth, Platyptilia carduidactyla (Riley), was studied at several constant laboratory temperatures ranging from 7°C–31°C. The lower developmental thresholds for egg stage, 4 larval Instars, and pupal stage were determined from the linear relationship between temperature and rate of development. The 4 larval instars showed a declining trend in developmental threshold as their values decreased from 8.7°C for 1st instar to 1.5°C for 4th. Thermal units required for development from egg to adult were 476.2 C°-days in the laboratory and 502.5 C°-days in the field at a base temperature of 7°C. Fecundity In the laboratory was reduced at lO°C and 28°C and maximum fecundity attained at 19°C. Survival period of adults decreased as temperature increased.