Influence of temperature on the embryonic and post-embryonic development of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), vector of grapevine Flavescence dorée

The embryonic and post-embryonic development of Scaphoideus titanus, the main vector of grapevine Flavescence dorée, was studied under laboratory conditions, at constant temperatures (T = 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27, and 29 °C). The data obtained were fitted to the equation of Brière, and the model was validated against independent field data. The minimum cardinal temperature for eggs ranged from 18 to 20 °C, the duration of egg hatching was minimum at T = 24 °C, egg hatchability was optimum at 22 °C, and very few eggs hatched at T ≥ 27 °C. The duration of post-embryonic development clearly shortened as the temperature increased, both overall and within the same life stage, almost half-reducing itself from 18 to 29 °C. Within the same temperature tested, the early instars took less time to moult compared to the late ones. The data obtained provided a significant fit with the equation of Brière. Validation was satisfactory, particularly concerning third instar nymphs and adults, which are the key life instars for targeting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The model proposed could be used to predict the development of S. titanus in north-western Italy for IPM purposes.