Embryonalentwicklung, Dormanz und Überwinterung von Psammotettix alienus (Dahlbom, 1851), des Vektors des Weizenverzwergungsvirus

(Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae)

Abstract

Embryonic development, dormancy and hibernation of Psammotettix alienus (Dahlbom, 1851) (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha), the vector of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV). – We made laboratory and field studies of the biology of the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus, with reference to its role as a vector of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV). Under laboratory conditions the average duration of embryonic development was 18.3 days. Seven stages of embryonic development could be distinguished. Before oviposition, egg dormancy is induced by short day conditions in late summer and autumn, and embryonic development stops before attaining catatrepsis. Dormancy is terminated by low temperature. The influence of photoperiod on the termination was not significant. Therefore, dormancy in P. alienus must be classified as eudiapause. Under field conditions, termination of eudiapause takes place in January or February, but embryonic development is then further impeded by low temperture (thermic quiescence). Catatrepsis takes place in spring, and earliest hatching of nymphs was observed at the end of April.