Effect of Delayed Mating on Longevity and Reproductive Performance of Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

In recent times, research has focused on integrated pest management approaches using nonchemical alternatives such as mating disruption for the control of stored product insect pests. In this study, we examined the effect of imposed delayed mating on the longevity and reproductive performance of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.), a serious insect pest of value added grain-based products, tobacco products, and spices. Delayed mating, progressing 0-14 d, was imposed on both sexes simultaneously, on males only, and on females only. Insects were observed daily for longevity, and F1 progeny was recorded 7-10 wk after mating pairs were placed together. Unmated adults lived significantly longer than mated adults, and mated females lived significantly longer than mated males. However, the length of the period of mating delay did not significantly affect the longevity of mated adults. Progeny production decreased with the age of adults at mating. The number of progeny produced when mating delay was imposed on both sexes simultaneously or on females only was significantly lower than when mating delay was imposed on males only. Hence, females were more adversely affected by delayed mating than males. Findings from this study may provide information for the development of mating disruption techniques that can delay mating and may be effective in keeping populations of L. serricorne below levels that would warrant a control action.