Development and fecundity of Amyelois transitella reared on mummy host material

Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a primary pest of almonds and pistachios, as well as a secondary pest of walnuts in California. In each cropping system, the fecundity of A. transitella ultimately determines potential damage, and overwintering generation developmental time can influence subsequent management practices. Previous studies determined fecundity and development parameters of this pest on different hosts under numerous temperatures and light regimens, however, results were highly variable and no studies documented these response variables with A. transitella reared from mummy nuts. The objective of this study was to measure male and female development and female fecundity from colony-sourced neonates reared on almond, pistachio, and walnut mummy host diets. Results from this research offer insight into A. transitella reproductive capacity and development in the overwintering generation and may facilitate more accurate management thresholds, timing, and sanitation practices for these cropping systems.