Influence of environmental factors on the growth and development of tobacco beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fab.) in storage

Studies on the growth and development of tobacco beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fab.) on coriander at different levels of temperature (20, 25, 30 and 35°c) and rH (60, 70 and 80%) indicated that the total developmental period was minimum (38.33 days) at 35°c and 70% rH and maximum (54.0 days at 28°c and 60% rH. the combination of 35°c and 70% rH favoured egg laying (65.00 eggs). the combination of 35°c and 70% rH was most conducive for the growth and development giving highest adult emergence (92.50 per cent). the fecundity was adversely affected at temperature of 20°c whereas temperature range of 30 to 35°c was congenial for egg laying. Higher temperature with 70 to 80% rH proved propitious for adult emergence.