Developmental duration and life table of Aphis craccivora with Vigna unguiculata ‘Minnan’ as food source at different temperatures

The developmental duration, fecundity, and life table of Aphis craccivora at different constant temperatures were studied to verify whether Vigna unguiculata ‘Minnan’ is a suitable host plant for A. craccivora. The results showed that the developmental duration of A. craccivora decreased with increase of temperature from 17 ℃ to 33 ℃. The fecundity of A. craccivora was significantly different at temperatures from 17～33 ℃, being highest at 21 ℃ (103.90) and lowest at 33 ℃ (4.40). The net reproductive rate decreased with the increase of temperature, being lowest at 33 ℃ (1.378) and highest at 21 ℃ (54.649). The intrinsic increase rate was above zero at 17～33 ℃, lowest at 33 ℃ (0.041) and highest at 25 ℃ (0.338). The finite rate of increase varied with temperature increase, being highest at 25 ℃ (1.403) and lowest at 33 ℃ (1.042). The time for population doubling was lowest at 25 ℃ (2.049 d). The results indicated that V. unguiculata ‘Minnan’ can be used as a banker plant for producing A. craccivora, supplying enough food for natural enemies, for example ladybugs or parasitic wasps, in ecosystems.