Modeling development of lesser cornstalk borer on sugarcane

Development of immature stages (eggs, larvae, pre-pupae, and pupae)and life tabble parameters of lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), were observed on sugarcane at constant temperatures (13, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36oC), 65-70% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) hours. Development rates (days-1) were plotted against temperature treatments for each stage. Life table parameters (rm, R0, ë, T, and DT)were calculated and rm was plotted against temperature treatments. Due to non-linear distribution of data, six non-linear models previously used to model insect development (Briere-1, Briere-2, Logan, Lactin, Taylor, and polynomial model) were tested to describe the relationship between temperature and development rate. The criteria for selecting the best model included greatest r2, lowest RSS and AIC values. The Briere-1 model was the best fit to the data for the development of immature stages. The Briere-2 model was the best fit between rm and temperature, and provided the best estimates of lesser cornstalk borer temperature thresholds.