Implications of Cold Hardiness for Pest Management

Abstract

Types of information required for research on insect cold hardiness with reference to pest management are considered. Specific examples are mentioned in which migration, abundance or outbreak areas of pests can be forecast from studies on insect overwintering and cold tolerance. These include aphids (Aphis fabae, Myzus persicae, Sitobion avenae and S. fragariae), Epirrita autumnata, Mamestra configurata and grasshoppers. The effect of low temperature on the establishment of pests and natural enemies imported from warmer climates is discussed, and finally the impact of successful insect cryopreservation on the opportunities for biological control is explored.