Reproduction and thermotolerance evaluation in Liriomyza trifolii populations driven by thermal acclimation

The invasive pest, Liriomyza trifolii, poses a significant threat to horticultural and vegetable plants. It spreads rapidly and causes large-scale outbreaks characterized by pronounced thermotolerance. In this study, we developed L. trifolii strains adapted to high temperatures (strains designated 35 and 40); these were generated from a susceptible strain (designated S) by long-term thermal acclimation to 35 oC and 40 oC, respectively. Age-stage, two-sex life tables, thermal preferences, knockdown behaviors, eclosion and survival rates and expression of genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsps) were compared for the three strains.