Predictive models of moth development

Authors: Chasen, Elissa; Steffan, Shawn

Submitted to: North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/21/2017
Publication Date: 8/30/2017
Citation: Chasen, E., Steffan, S. 2017. Predictive models of moth development [abstract]. North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting. Paper No. 3:6.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Degree-day models link ambient temperature to insect life-stages, making such models valuable tools in integrated pest management. These models increase management efficacy by predicting pest phenology. In Wisconsin, the top insect pest of cranberry production is the cranberry fruitworm, Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Control of this species is often complicated by the fact that the larvae feed entirely within the fruit. Timing of control tactics is therefore critical and generally targets the adult and egg stages. The first part of this research was conducted in the laboratory to determine the upper and lower temperature-mediated growth thresholds of this pest. Using field-collected A. vaccinii, we reared the larvae within cranberry fruit and monitored larval growth at a range of temperatures. This allowed us to calculate precise upper and lower developmental temperature thresholds. The second part of this research used these developmental thresholds to calculate degree-day accumulations in the field and to correlate these accruals to flight phenology as observed in pheromone-baited traps located at cranberry marshes in central WI. Future work will correlate degree-day accumulations to egg-laying and larval-hatch periods, providing a powerful predictive tool for pest management in cranberry production.