Life History Parameters and Age-Specific Mortality of Aphis punicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Pomegranate at Different Temperatures
Keywords:
Aphis punicae, Pomegranate, Temperature regimes, Life table parameters, Age-specific mortality, Population dynamicsAbstract
Temperature is one of the most important abiotic factors influencing the biology, survival, and population dynamics of aphid pests in agricultural ecosystems. The present study evaluated the life history parameters and age-specific mortality of Aphis punicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on pomegranate under different temperature regimes. Laboratory experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions at varying temperatures to determine developmental duration, survival rate, fecundity, longevity, reproductive potential, and mortality patterns of the aphid population. Newly emerged nymphs were individually reared on pomegranate leaves, and observations were recorded daily throughout their life cycle. The results revealed significant variations in developmental and reproductive traits across temperature treatments. Developmental duration decreased with increasing temperature, whereas fecundity and adult longevity were markedly affected by extreme thermal conditions. The highest reproductive performance and intrinsic rate of increase were observed at moderate temperatures, indicating favorable conditions for rapid population growth. Age-specific survival curves demonstrated higher mortality at lower and higher temperature extremes, while moderate temperatures supported greater survival and prolonged reproductive activity. The study further indicated that temperature substantially influenced population growth parameters, including net reproductive rate, generation time, and finite rate of increase. These findings emphasize the critical role of temperature in regulating the population ecology of A. punicae on pomegranate. Understanding the thermal responses and mortality dynamics of this pest can contribute to the development of effective forecasting systems and integrated pest management strategies for sustainable pomegranate cultivation under changing climatic conditions.
