Research and IPM

Phenology Model Database

Lygus Bug

Scientific name: Lygus hesperus

Phenology models predict timing of events in an organism's development. For many organisms which cannot internally regulate their own temperature, development is dependent on temperatures to which they are exposed in the environment.

Note: Before using a model that was not field tested in your location, you should test the model for one or more seasons under your conditions to verify that it will work for you.

Model 1 of 3

Pickel, C., N. C. Welch, and D. B. Walsh. 1990. Timing Lygus sprays using degree-days in Central Coast Strawberries. Santa Cruz County Agricultural Extension Publication.

Location of study: Santa Cruz County, California (field studies)

Developmental thresholds

Lower:

54.0°F

(12.2°C)

Method of calculation: Single Sine

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

Host: Strawberries	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Eggs:	252.0	140.0
Nymphs:	371.0	206.1
Generation time (egg to adult):	623.0	346.1
Pre-egglaying adults:	176.0	97.8
Generation time (egg to egg):	799.0	443.9
>>>> Lygus develop on weeds in the spring. When they migrate to strawberries they are pests.
Biofix: First Lygus adult found in strawberries
Host: Strawberries	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Time to treat:	252.0	140.0
This is when nymphs are hatching from eggs laid by first adults.
Next time to treat:	1051.0	583.9
This is when the next generation of nymphs will be hatching.
Biofix: First Lygus nymph found in weeds
Host: Weeds	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Pretreat interval :	799.0	443.9
This is when the next generation of nymphs start hatching. TREAT 5-7 DAYS LATER.

Model 2 of 3

Sevacherian, V., V. M. Stern, and A. J. Mueller. 1977. Heat accumulation for timing Lygus control measures in a safflower-cotton complex. J. Econ. Entomol. 70: 399-402.

Location of study: Westside of San Joaquin Valley, California (field studies)

Developmental thresholds

Lower:

52.0°F

(11.1°C)

Method of calculation: Double Triangle

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

Start date: April 1

Model 3 of 3

Champlain, R. A., and G. D. Butler, Jr. 1967. Temperature effects on development of the egg and nymphal stages of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae). Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. 60: 519-521.

Location of study: Tucson, Arizona (laboratory studies)

Developmental thresholds

Lower:	46.4°F	( 8.0°C)
Upper:	104.0°F	(40.0°C)

Method of calculation:	not specified (UC IPM recommends Single Sine)
Cutoff method:	not specified (UC IPM recommends Vertical)

Degree-day accumulations required for each stage of development

Host: Green beans	DD (°F)	DD (°C)
Eggs:	259.2	144.0
Nymphs:	507.8	282.1
Generation time (egg to adult):	767.0	426.1