Life table and population parameters of Paracoccus marginatus at varying temperatures on cotton
The effect of temperature on the life history traits of Paracoccus marginatus was carried out at 20, 25 and 30°C on cotton. The data revealed that P. marginatus took maximum of 41.3 days to complete one generation at 20°C followed by 28.5 and 26.5 days at 25°C and 30°C, respectively. Adult longevity was higher at 20°C, but declined at 25 and 30°C. Doubling time was lowest at 30°C (3.55 days) and higher at 20 and 25°C (9.06 and 4.19 days, respectively). Generation time decreased as temperature increased towards an optimal temperature. As temperature increased, survivorship (lx) declined more quickly, but fecundity (mx) peaked earlier. At 30°C, the net fecundity was highest resulting in the highest intrinsic rate of increase. The results indicated that ability of P. marginatus to develop, survive and reproduce successfully between 20 and 30°C suggests that it can establish in areas within this temperature range.