Effect of various temperatures on development of the lucerne jassid Austroasca alfalfae (Evans) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) with reference to population levels in lucerne

Abstract

The development of eggs and nymphs of Austroasca alfalfae was studied in the laboratory at various temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The maximum rate of development occurred at 300 C with mean periods of 3 days for eggs and 8 · 5 days for nymphs.
Development at 24°C and 27°C was slightly slower than at 30°C while at 15°C, 18°C and21°C development was prolonged. Survival of nymphs at 15°C was low. Seasonal variations
in the number of Austroasca alfalfae occurring in the field are discussed on the basis of these results.