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Effects of Sex Ratio on Adult Fecundity, Longevity and Egg Hatchability of Bradysia difformis Frey at Different Temperatures

Summary

This research studied how temperature and sex ratios affect the reproduction and survival of a harmful agricultural pest called the fungus gnat. The findings show that these insects reproduce best at moderate temperatures (25°C) and when male and female numbers are roughly equal. This knowledge is valuable for controlling these crop-damaging pests. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers better protect their crops from pest damage • Contributes to more efficient greenhouse and mushroom cultivation • Supports development of environmentally-friendly pest control methods • Could lead to reduced crop losses and more stable food production • May help lower food costs by improving crop protection

Background

Bradysia difformis Frey is a fungus gnat that has become a significant pest in China, causing damage to edible and medicinal fungi, as well as vegetable crops like leek, green onion, and garlic. The insect’s growth, development, reproduction and behavior are heavily influenced by temperature as they are ectothermic animals. Sex ratio is also an important factor affecting population dynamics in hermaphroditic organisms.

Objective

To investigate the effects of temperature and sex ratio on adult fecundity, longevity and egg hatchability of B. difformis by examining adult survival longevity, oviposition numbers, and egg hatching rates under different female-male ratios at various temperatures.

Results

Female fecundity and egg hatchability increased with temperature and peaked at 25°C, while adult longevity decreased at higher temperatures. The female-male ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 were most suitable for female fecundity, with 1:1 being optimal for oviposition behavior. The egg hatching rate showed a negative correlation with increasing female-male ratios.

Conclusion

Temperature significantly affects B. difformis behaviors including fecundity, longevity, and hatchability, with optimal reproduction occurring between 15-25°C. Sex ratio strongly influences reproductive success, with balanced or slightly male-biased ratios producing better outcomes. These findings can help predict population density and suggest potential control methods through sex ratio manipulation.
  • Published in:PLOS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research Study,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217867
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