Population Dynamics of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Strawberry Cultivars in Southern Brazil.

Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis is a polyphagous thrips species that has been reported as a potential pest in strawberry cultivation in Brazil. Since it has only recently emerged as a pest species in production areas, understanding seasonal trends in the species' activity is particularly important for designing management strategies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of climate factors (temperature and relative humidity) and six strawberry cultivars ('Albion', 'Aromas', 'Camino Real', 'Monterey', 'Portola', and 'San Andreas') on the population dynamics of H. haemorrhoidalis during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 growing seasons in southern Brazil. The greatest peak in thrips populations in the cultivars assessed occurred between January and March (summer) in both growing seasons. The relationship between the incidence of H. haemorrhoidalis and temperature was observed to be negative during the autumn, spring, and summer months but positive during winter. Relative humidity levels above 70% had a negative influence on the abundance of insects. Populations of H. haemorrhoidalis varied between the cultivars as follows: 'Aromas' > 'Monterey' > 'San Andreas' > 'Albion' > 'Camino Real' > 'Portola'. Cross-sections of strawberry leaves showed that 'Monterey' had the highest density of nonglandular trichomes/mm2 (7.26), while 'Portola' cultivar, the greatest predominance of glandular trichomes/mm2 (12.67), which may have contributed to the incidence of H. haemorrhoidalis. The demographic information presented on H. haemorrhoidalis in strawberry cultivars provides a starting point to better understand the insect's population dynamics. These results also indicate that climatic conditions are a limiting factor for the development of H. haemorrhoidalis.

Impact of Environmental Variables on Parasitism and Emergence of Trichogramma pretiosum, Telenomus remus and Telenomus podisi.

Environmental variables may markedly influence egg parasitoid performance and must be considered when choosing the best release strategy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of light, temperature, soil moisture, and precipitation on the emergence and parasitism of parasitoid releases of unprotected and encapsulated pupae. The presence of light favored the parasitism of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, and Telenomus remus (Nixon, 1937) but did not impact the parasitism of Telenomus podisi (Ashmead, 1893). The release strategy adopted (release of encapsulated or unprotected pupae) also impacted the results. On one hand, card capsules gave protection against rainfall, limited to 10 mm regarding Tr. pretiosum, while on the other hand, card capsules led to a reduction in the number of captured adults for Te. podisi at 25°C and 30°C. Therefore, Tr. pretiosum, Te. remus, and Te. podisi can be released using both encapsulated and unprotected pupae, with advantages and disadvantages for each strategy, depending on each studied environmental variable. In addition, parasitoid pupae should be released so that the majority emerge during daylight, especially for Te. remus and Tr. pretiosum, since parasitism was greatly reduced in dark environments. Telenomus podisi is not affected by this variable as it demonstrated similar parasitism in light and dark environments.

Water Vapor Pressure Deficit in Portugal and Implications for the Development of the Invasive African Citrus Psyllid Trioza erytreae.

African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio)) is a vector insect of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter africanus, the putative causal agent of Huanglongbing, the most devastating citrus disease in the world. The insect was found on the island of Madeira in 1994 and in mainland Portugal in 2015. Present in the north and center of the country, it is a threat to Algarve, the main citrus-producing region. Trioza erytreae eggs and first instar nymphs are sensitive to the combination of high temperatures and low relative humidity. Daily maximum air temperature and minimum relative humidity data from 18 weather stations were used to calculate the water vapor pressure deficit (vpd) from 2004 to 2018 at various locations. Based on the mean vpd and the number of unfavorable days (vpd < 34.5 and vpd < 56 mbar) of two time periods (February to May and June to September), less favorable zones for T. erytreae were identified. The zones with thermal and water conditions like those observed in the Castelo Branco and Portalegre (Center), Beja (Alentejo), Alte, and Norinha (Algarve) stations showed climatic restrictions to the development of eggs and first instar nymphs of African citrus psyllid. Effective control measures, such as the introduction and mass release of Tamarixia dryi (Waterson), a specific parasitoid, and chemical control are necessary in favorable periods for T. erytreae development, such as in spring and in areas with limited or no climate restrictions.

Temporal Variation in Species Abundance and Richness of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in a Tropical Equatorial Area.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether temperature, rainfall, and humidity influence the annual distribution of Culicoides Latreille 1809, species abundance and richness in rural areas on São Luís Island in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Biting midges were collected in housing for domestic animals in the peridomestic areas of 10 homes. A CDC light trap was installed in each peridomestic area from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. once a month for 12 mo. In total, 23,633 individuals belonging to 26 Culicoides species were captured. The most abundant species were Culicoides diabolicus Hoffman, 1925 (27.43%), C. ignacioi Forattini, 1957 (25.9%), C. flavivenulus Costa Lima, 1937 (15.53%), C. insignis Lutz, 1913 (10.66%), C. filariferus Hoffman, 1939 (6.21%), C. boliviensis Spinelli & Wirth, 1984 (6.07%), C. foxi Ortíz, 1950 (2.83%), and C. leopoldoi Ortíz, 1951 (2.54%). Species richness and abundance were greater during the rainy season (24 species; 88% of the individuals) than during the dry season (18 species; 12% of individuals). However, persistent rain on the days the midges were collected or in the preceding 24 h adversely affected abundance. Mean monthly maximum temperature and rainfall on the day of the collection adversely affected Culicoides abundance and richness.

Influência da salinidade sobre a sobrevivência e crescimento de Crassostrea gasar / Influence of salinity on survival and growth of Crassostrea gasar

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of salinity on the growth and survival of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar. A laboratory trial was conducted in 10 treatments, each in triplicate, corresponding to rising values of salinity at intervals of 5 in the range of 5-50, totaling 30 experimental units. The survival and growth of the oysters were significantly influenced by salinity. A high survival of oysters in the salinity range between 10 and 45 was found. Significantly higher survival rates were obtained at salinities of 20 and 25, while at 5 there was lower survival rates. The final mean shell size and live weight of the oysters were significantly higher at a salinity of 25, while the lowest growth was registered at 5 and 50. The results suggest that the C. gasar oyster is resistant to a broad salinity range, and can be cultivated in marine regions or estuary environments that do not have salinities equal or lower than 5.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da salinidade sobre o crescimento e a sobrevivência da ostra-do-mangue Crassostrea gasar. Em laboratório foi realizado ensaio com 10 tratamentos em triplicata, correspondentes a valores crescentes de salinidade em intervalos de 5, na faixa de 5 a 50, perfazendo 30 unidades experimentais. A sobrevivência e o crescimento das ostras foram influenciados significativamente pela salinidade. Observou-se elevada sobrevivência das ostras na faixa de salinidade entre 10 e 45. Valores significativamente superiores de sobrevivência foram obtidos nas salinidades de 20 e 25, enquanto em 5, registraram-se menores porcentagens de sobrevivência. As médias finais de tamanho de concha e de peso vivo das ostras foram significativamente superiores na salinidade de 25, enquanto que os menores valores de crescimento foram registrados em 5 e 50, em relação aos obtidos nas outras salinidades. Os resultados sugerem que a ostra C. gasar é resistente a uma ampla faixa de salinidade, podendo ser cultivada em áreas marinhas ou ambientes estuarinos que não apresentem salinidades iguais ou inferiores a 5.(AU)

Influência da salinidade sobre a sobrevivência e crescimento de Crassostrea gasar / Influence of salinity on survival and growth of Crassostrea gasar

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of salinity on the growth and survival of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar. A laboratory trial was conducted in 10 treatments, each in triplicate, corresponding to rising values of salinity at intervals of 5 in the range of 5-50, totaling 30 experimental units. The survival and growth of the oysters were significantly influenced by salinity. A high survival of oysters in the salinity range between 10 and 45 was found. Significantly higher survival rates were obtained at salinities of 20 and 25, while at 5 there was lower survival rates. The final mean shell size and live weight of the oysters were significantly higher at a salinity of 25, while the lowest growth was registered at 5 and 50. The results suggest that the C. gasar oyster is resistant to a broad salinity range, and can be cultivated in marine regions or estuary environments that do not have salinities equal or lower than 5.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da salinidade sobre o crescimento e a sobrevivência da ostra-do-mangue Crassostrea gasar. Em laboratório foi realizado ensaio com 10 tratamentos em triplicata, correspondentes a valores crescentes de salinidade em intervalos de 5, na faixa de 5 a 50, perfazendo 30 unidades experimentais. A sobrevivência e o crescimento das ostras foram influenciados significativamente pela salinidade. Observou-se elevada sobrevivência das ostras na faixa de salinidade entre 10 e 45. Valores significativamente superiores de sobrevivência foram obtidos nas salinidades de 20 e 25, enquanto em 5, registraram-se menores porcentagens de sobrevivência. As médias finais de tamanho de concha e de peso vivo das ostras foram significativamente superiores na salinidade de 25, enquanto que os menores valores de crescimento foram registrados em 5 e 50, em relação aos obtidos nas outras salinidades. Os resultados sugerem que a ostra C. gasar é resistente a uma ampla faixa de salinidade, podendo ser cultivada em áreas marinhas ou ambientes estuarinos que não apresentem salinidades iguais ou inferiores a 5.

Infestation rate of the mite Varroa destructor in commercial apiaries of the Vale do Paraíba and Serra da Mantiqueira, southeastern Brazil / Taxas de infestação do ácaro Varroa destructor em apiários comerciais do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira, sudeste do Brasil

Nos últimos anos, grandes perdas de colônias de abelhas melíferas vêm sendo registradas em várias regiões do mundo. Contudo, os motivos desse acontecimento permanecem obscuros. O ácaro ectoparasita Varroa destructor Anderson e Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) pode ser um dos responsáveis por esse fato, principalmente como vetor de vírus. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se as taxas de infestação (TIs) do ácaro V. destructor em abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e correlacionaram-se os dados com as médias de temperatura de 16 municípios das regiões do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira (São Paulo, Brasil), onde a apicultura comercial atua de maneira significativa. Em cada município, um apiário comercial foi selecionado para coleta de amostras de três colônias populosas (padrão Langstroth), totalizando 48 colônias amostradas. Aproximadamente 300 abelhas adultas localizadas na área de cria foram coletadas em cada colônia. As TIs variaram de 0.0 a 5.5%, níveis considerados baixos para causar danos significativos às colônias. As TIs mais baixas foram encontradas em municípios com clima mais ameno durante a estação avaliada (verão). Adicionalmente, cofatores como variações na disponibilidade de alimento entre os municípios e a variabilidade genética das abelhas podem interagir na interação entre parasita e hospedeiro. A variação nas TIs entre os municípios indica que, mesmo presente, a tolerância das abelhas africanizadas ao varroa pode variar drasticamente em uma pequena região, devido à dinâmica multifatorial de infestação do ácaro.(AU)

Infestation rate of the mite Varroa destructor in commercial apiaries of the Vale do Paraíba and Serra da Mantiqueira, southeastern Brazil / Taxas de infestação do ácaro Varroa destructor em apiários comerciais do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira, sudeste do Brasil

Nos últimos anos, grandes perdas de colônias de abelhas melíferas vêm sendo registradas em várias regiões do mundo. Contudo, os motivos desse acontecimento permanecem obscuros. O ácaro ectoparasita Varroa destructor Anderson e Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) pode ser um dos responsáveis por esse fato, principalmente como vetor de vírus. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se as taxas de infestação (TIs) do ácaro V. destructor em abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e correlacionaram-se os dados com as médias de temperatura de 16 municípios das regiões do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira (São Paulo, Brasil), onde a apicultura comercial atua de maneira significativa. Em cada município, um apiário comercial foi selecionado para coleta de amostras de três colônias populosas (padrão Langstroth), totalizando 48 colônias amostradas. Aproximadamente 300 abelhas adultas localizadas na área de cria foram coletadas em cada colônia. As TIs variaram de 0.0 a 5.5%, níveis considerados baixos para causar danos significativos às colônias. As TIs mais baixas foram encontradas em municípios com clima mais ameno durante a estação avaliada (verão). Adicionalmente, cofatores como variações na disponibilidade de alimento entre os municípios e a variabilidade genética das abelhas podem interagir na interação entre parasita e hospedeiro. A variação nas TIs entre os municípios indica que, mesmo presente, a tolerância das abelhas africanizadas ao varroa pode variar drasticamente em uma pequena região, devido à dinâmica multifatorial de infestação do ácaro.(AU)

Germination and gametophyte development of Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin (Cyatheaceae) from spores stored at low temperatures / Germinação e desenvolvimento gametofítico de Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin (Cyatheaceae) com esporos armazenados em baixas temperaturas

The tree fern Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin is an endangered species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It currently occurs only in the northern segment of the coastal region. Spore storage would help in conservation programs since it maintains genetic variability and provides material for in vitro cultures. Current study evaluates the effect of low temperatures combined to different spore storage times on the germination and initial gametophyte development of C. corcovadensis. Spores were divided into two groups: spores of the first group were sowed immediately in Meyer culture medium with nystatin, at pH 4.0, while spores of the second group were stored at 7, -20 and -196°C during 60, 120, 180, and 365 days and then sowed in the same medium. Spore storage at 7 and -196°C for 365 days not only provided higher germination percentages than those reported for recently-collected spores but also stimulated gametophytic development. The latter was demonstrated by the higher percentages of laminar gametophytes in these treatments. The possibility of storing spores provides material for in vitro experiments, which is of special interest for C. corcovadensis due to its ornamental potential and conservation status.

A samambaia arborescente Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin está em perigo de extinção no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, ocorrendo somente no norte da região costeira. O armazenamento de esporos pode auxiliar programas de conservação, uma vez que oferece a possibilidade de manutenção da variabilidade genética e fornece material para culturas in vitro. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de temperaturas baixas combinadas com diferentes tempos de armazenamento de esporos sobre a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial de gametófitos de C. corcovadensis. Os esporos foram divididos em dois grupos: os do primeiro grupo foram semeados imediatamente em meio de cultura Meyer com nistatina, com pH 4,0 e os do segundo grupo foram armazenados a 7, -20 e -196°C durante 60, 120, 180 e 365 dias e então semeados no meio supra mencionado. O armazenamento de esporos a 7 e -196°C durante 365 dias propiciou porcentagens de germinação superiores àquelas observadas para esporos recém coletados e também estimulou o desenvolvimento gametofítico, o que foi demonstrado pelos elevados valores de porcentagem de gametófitos laminares observados nestes tratamentos. A possibilidade de armazenar esporos oferece material para experimentos in vitro, o que é de especial interesse para C. corcovadensis, considerando seu potencial ornamental e estado de conservação.

Germination and gametophyte development of Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin (Cyatheaceae) from spores stored at low temperatures / Germinação e desenvolvimento gametofítico de Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin (Cyatheaceae) com esporos armazenados em baixas temperaturas

The tree fern Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin is an endangered species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It currently occurs only in the northern segment of the coastal region. Spore storage would help in conservation programs since it maintains genetic variability and provides material for in vitro cultures. Current study evaluates the effect of low temperatures combined to different spore storage times on the germination and initial gametophyte development of C. corcovadensis. Spores were divided into two groups: spores of the first group were sowed immediately in Meyer culture medium with nystatin, at pH 4.0, while spores of the second group were stored at 7, -20 and -196C during 60, 120, 180, and 365 days and then sowed in the same medium. Spore storage at 7 and -196C for 365 days not only provided higher germination percentages than those reported for recently-collected spores but also stimulated gametophytic development. The latter was demonstrated by the higher percentages of laminar gametophytes in these treatments. The possibility of storing spores provides material for in vitro experiments, which is of special interest for C. corcovadensis due to its ornamental potential and conservation status.(AU)

A samambaia arborescente Cyathea corcovadensis (Raddi) Domin está em perigo de extinção no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, ocorrendo somente no norte da região costeira. O armazenamento de esporos pode auxiliar programas de conservação, uma vez que oferece a possibilidade de manutenção da variabilidade genética e fornece material para culturas in vitro. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de temperaturas baixas combinadas com diferentes tempos de armazenamento de esporos sobre a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial de gametófitos de C. corcovadensis. Os esporos foram divididos em dois grupos: os do primeiro grupo foram semeados imediatamente em meio de cultura Meyer com nistatina, com pH 4,0 e os do segundo grupo foram armazenados a 7, -20 e -196C durante 60, 120, 180 e 365 dias e então semeados no meio supra mencionado. O armazenamento de esporos a 7 e -196C durante 365 dias propiciou porcentagens de germinação superiores àquelas observadas para esporos recém coletados e também estimulou o desenvolvimento gametofítico, o que foi demonstrado pelos elevados valores de porcentagem de gametófitos laminares observados nestes tratamentos. A possibilidade de armazenar esporos oferece material para experimentos in vitro, o que é de especial interesse para C. corcovadensis, considerando seu potencial ornamental e estado de conservação.(AU)

Métodos y usos agrícolas de la ingeniería genética aplicada al cultivo del arroz / Methods and agricultural uses of genetic engineering applied to rice crop

En biotecnología de arroz se han logrado avances en transformación genética, con importantes resultados en el mejoramiento genético de variedades elite de las subespecies japónica e índica. Con el propósito de revisar los métodos y los usos agrícolas de la ingeniería genética aplicada al cultivo del arroz, se usaron varias palabras claves en idioma inglés en algunas de las bases de datos de revistas científicas indexadas, disponibles en el Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (SINAB), seleccionando documentos publicados entre 2000 y 2011. La base de esta revisión inicial, se complementó con artículos publicados en fechas anteriores, que se consideraron relevantes, debido a que implicaban cambios metodológicos importantes. Desde que se logró producir la primera planta transgénica de arroz a finales de los 80´s, varios protocolos para la transferencia de genes se han empleado con éxito logrando la modificación genética de más de 60 cultivares de arroz. Para ello se han empleado sistemas de transformación tanto directos como indirectos. Se han realizado modificaciones de rasgos importantes en el cultivo, tales como la resistencia a factores bióticos (insectos, hongos, bacterias, virus, nematodos), tolerancia a factores abióticos (salinidad, sequía, altas y bajas temperaturas, inmersión), y mejoramiento de características agronómicas (calidad nutricional, rendimiento, uso de nutrientes, tolerancia a herbicidas).

In rice biotechnology advances have been made in genetic transformation, with significant results in breeding elite varieties of japonica and indica subspecies. In order to review the methods and agricultural uses of genetic engineering applied to rice, calves were used several words in English in some of the databases of scientific journals available in the National Libraries National University of Colombia (SINAB), selecting papers published between 2000 and 2011. Based on this initial review, it addition to some articles published at earlier dates, which were considered relevant because they involved significant methodological changes. Since it was able to produce the first transgenic rice plant in the late 80's, several protocols for gene transfer have been used successfully achieving the genetic modification of more than 60 rice cultivars. For this transformation systems have been used both direct and indirect. There have been significant changes in the crop traits such as resistance to biotic (insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes), tolerance to abiotic (salinity, drought, high and low temperatures, immersion), improved features agronomic (nutritional quality, yield, nutrient use, herbicide tolerance).

Fenologia de Cornops aquaticum (Bruner) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) em Eichhornia azurea (Pontederiaceae) no norte do Pantanal de Mato Grosso / Phenology of Cornops aquaticum (Bruner) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Eichhornia azurea (Pontederiaceae) in the northern region of Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Cornops aquaticum (Bruner) has Eichhornia crassipes, E. azurea, Pontederia cordata and P. lanceolata (Pontederiaceae) as the known host plants. This grasshopper species is cited as a possible agent of biological control for native aquatic macrophytes E. azurea and E. crassipes. This study, carried out from March, 2006 to February, 2007, aimed to evaluate the phenology and age structure of the population of C. aquaticum associated with E. azurea in Piuval bay, Pantanal of Poconé, MT, and to identify possible relationships of its life cycle to abiotic factors such as insolation, temperature and precipitation. Monthly collections of 50 individuals were carried out according to the protocol defined by the "Host - Insect Coevolution on Waterhyacinth" project. Adults and nymphs were separated and the females dissected in order to evaluate ovary maturation. The population presented adults and nymphs during the whole year, suggesting the occurrence of more than one reproductive period. The nymphs from the first stage predominated in August 2006 and the adults in September and October 2006, synchronized with the dry period and beginning of the flooding period, respectively. The highest relative abundance of the females with mature ovaries occurred in July 2006 (50 percent), indicating that this may be a more propitious period for reproduction. The data suggest that C. aquaticum is a species in continual reproduction in Piuval bay and its cycle is associated with the environmental conditions guided by the flood pulse in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso.

Influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) against larvae of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is considered one of the main pests that affect fruit production in the world. This insect spends part of its life cycle in the soil, making it a target for entomopathogenic nematodes. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of Heterorhabditis sp. RSC01 and Steinernema carpocapsae ALL to third-instars of C. capitata, and to compare the efficiency of these isolates at five different soil temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28, and 31°C) and three levels of relative soil moisture (100, 75, and 50 percent of field capacity). Ten C. capitata larvae were transferred to plastic jars (12 cm × 6 cm) containing 100 g soil, followed by the application of an aqueous suspension containing 125 infective juveniles (IJ)/cm². In the control treatment, 3 ml of distilled water was applied. Mortality evaluations were made five days later and were confirmed by observations of the characteristic symptoms and cadaver dissection. The infectivity was directly proportional to temperature increase, with maximum percent mortality of 86.7 percent and 80.0 percent for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively, at 31°C. At 25°C, the highest mortality for both species was obtained at 75 percent of field capacity (96.7 percent and 26.7 percent for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively).

Efeito da temperatura e umidade relativa do ar no desenvolvimento de Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) em Vigna unguiculata / Effect of temperature and relative-humidity on the development of Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Vigna unguiculata

This research aimed to study the influence of temperature and relative-humidity (RH) on the development of Liriomyza sativae Blanchard during the egg-adult period, in cowpea, to provide essential information for future biological control projects against the pest. An inverse relation was observed between temperature increase in the range from 15°C to 32°C and development duration. Larval survival was not affected in the temperature range studied, while a high mortality of pupae was observed at 32°C (59.9 percent). RH did not affect the development time of the immature stages, although it influenced their survival. The lower developmental temperature threshold obtained for the egg-adult period was low (7.3°C) when compared with other species of Liriomyza, and was rather low for the larval stage (3.4°C). Based on the thermal requirements for L. sativae, it was possible to estimate the occurrence of 24.5 annual generations at a melon producing region in state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. For laboratory rearing aimed at biological control pest programs, the best rearing conditions are 30°C and 50 percent RH for the larval stage and 90 percent RH for the pupal stage.

A pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar a influência da temperatura e da umidade relativa do ar (UR) no desenvolvimento de Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, durante o período ovo-adulto, em feijão caupi, para fornecer subsídios a futuros projetos de controle biológico da praga. Verificou-se uma relação inversa entre o aumento da temperatura na faixa de 15°C a 32°C e a duração do desenvolvimento. A sobrevivência larval não foi afetada na faixa térmica estudada, enquanto a 32°C houve alta mortalidade de pupas (59,9 por cento). A UR não afetou a duração dos estágios imaturos, embora tenha influenciado a sua sobrevivência. O limiar térmico inferior de desenvolvimento obtido para o período ovo-adulto foi baixo (7,3°C), se comparado a outras espécies de Liriomyza, e bastante reduzido para a fase larval (3,4°C). De acordo com as exigências térmicas constatadas para L. sativae foi possível estimar a ocorrência de 24,5 gerações anuais na região produtora de melão, em Mossoró, RN. Para criações de laboratório, visando à implementação de programas de controle biológico da praga, as melhores condições são temperatura de 30°C e UR de 50 por cento para a fase de larva e 90 por cento para o estágio de pupa de L. sativae.