Nov 29, 2023Influence of Weather on Insect Pest Abundance and Activity
A significant decline in insect pest activity has occurred over the past 2 weeks. These changes are consistent with cooler, seasonal temperatures. We all know that weather influences produce crop growth and ultimately can create wide fluctuations in markets. Similarly, our local weather can significantly impact pest activity on desert produce crops. For insects, their activity and abundance are closely aligned with weather. The reason for this is that temperature is the driving force behind insect development, growth and behavior. Unlike many animals, insects are poikilothermic (“cold-blooded”); that is, they are unable to regulate their body temperature. Their internal temperature varies along with that of the ambient environmental temperature. Consequently, insect pests such as whiteflies, beet armyworms, cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, and leafminers are more active and develop rapidly when temperatures average ~85° F; in contrast, they are less active and develop much slower under cool, winter conditions. That is one of the primary reasons these insect pests can be so abundant on produce crops in Sep-Nov. Behavioral activities such as flight, movement, reproduction, feeding and oviposition are similarly influenced by seasonal temperatures. But temperature requirements for insects vary with species (see table below). For example, the optimal temperature for growth and development of beet armyworms and diamondback moths is the same (86 °F), but diamondback moth can complete a generation quicker and can develop over a much broader range of temperature. Thus, they can be more problematic season long if not adequately controlled. Then you have Bagrada bug which tend to prefer warmer weather for development. Its lower developmental threshold of 62°F is the main reason the pest is generally hard to find during the winter months. In contrast, green peach aphids, which we annually find on winter produce crops, thrive in cooler weather (optimal temperature for growth is 55°F. That’s the main reason we don’t find them on summer crops; it is just too hot for them. In general, extreme hot (> 120°F) or cold temperatures (<32 °F), can be lethal or greatly restrict insect growth and behavior. Consequently, temperature and other weather factor such as rainfall, humidity, sunlight and wind play a major role in determining insect activity and abundance on local desert crops; but they can also suppress insect abundance under extreme conditions. For a more detailed explanation on the impact of weather on insects visit Weather Influences Desert Insect Pests.
Optimal Temp.(°F)for Development
Green peach aphid
To contact John Palumbo go to: jpalumbo@ag.Arizona.edu