The demographic performance of a laboratory strain of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
Abstract
A comprehensive set of demographic values measured under partly controlled conditions for an inbred Australian strain of Cydia pomonella (L.) is presented. The extent and causes of variability in parameters of demographic performance were examined, and present knowledge resulting from laboratory studies on the demographic properties of the species is summarised synoptically in the light of recent reports. The paucity of this information is acknowledged, and ways are considered whereby pertinent data on the responses of laboratory-reared forms of C. pomonella could be acquired and interpreted, with a view to characterising biotypes, assessing the productivity of breeding systems and, eventually, gaining more insight into the dynamics of field populations.