Influência da idade da fêmea na performance reprodutiva e longevidade de Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae

Female age effect on reproductive performance and longevity of Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae). Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick, 1909) is a generalist pest in South American orchards. The effect of female age on the reproductive performance and longevity was investigated under laboratory conditions. 1, 3, 5 and 8-day-old virgin females were paired with 0-3-day-old virgin males. The longevity, mating success, oviposition pattern, fecundity and fertility were verified daily. Delayed female mating had no influence on oviposition period and longevity, however it affected mating success, pre-oviposition period, fecundity and fertility. The percentage of mating was 25% inferior in 8-day-old females, compared to females paired within 1 day after emergence. The highest fecundity was obtained from mating of 1-day-old female. Fertility in 3, 5 and 8-day-old mated females was reduced to 57, 82 and 99%, respectively. The implications of these findings in the control strategies of A. sphaleropa are discussed.