Study on daily and reproduction activity of melon weevil, Acythopeus curvirostris persicus (Col.: Curculionidae), in Birjand, Iran

Abstract

Melon weevil, Acytopeus curvirostris persicus Thompson, is one of the most important pests of melons that is spread in the Middle East countries. In this study, diurnal and seasonal locomotor and flight activity of melon weevil were investigated under field condition using bucket traps (baited with conspecifics male and cucumber fruit) and also mating behavior pattern and its effect on fecundity (under semifield conditions) and fertility (under laboratory conditions). The results showed that both males and females of melon weevil have distinct daily activity. Two activity peaks were observed at 7:00-9:00 am and 17:00-19:00 pm. Maximum flight activity was observed in the afternoon (14:00 hours) in field condition. Both sexes emerged in early cultivation season (late June) simultaneously and the number of captured weevil was the highest in early October (6.1 ± 2.6 weevils per week). Emerged adults from pupal cocoon mated after about eight days. Peak of mating occurred during 14:30-16:30 pm. Number of mating during lifetime of males (18.3 ± 3.4) was nearly two times greater than females (9.6 ± 2.2). The mean number of eggs laid during reproduction period in single and multiple mating were 29.2 ± 3.5 and 52.4 ± 6.2 eggs per female, respectively. Oviposition was maximum on 12 and 36 days after mating. Hatching rates of eggs in single and multiple mating were 85 ± 7% and 82.5 ± 9%, respectively. Multiple mating had no significant effect on fecundity and fertility. There was no relationship between mating frequency and temperature.

Keywords

• melon weevil
• activity rhythms
• mating
• fecundity
• fertility