Effect of Temperature on the Formation of Gregarine Sporocysts and their Viability

Abstract

Present paper deals with studies on the effect of temperature on the formation, maturity and viability of sporocysts of ten Cephaline gregarines infesting Tenebrionid insects. The gametocysts and sporocysts of said species were subjected to develop under temperatures 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 °C, the relative humidity prevailing was 65, 83, 65, 70, 55, 66, 62, and 44 % respectively. The temperatures 45 and 50 ° C were lethal for the development of gametocysts, while those from 15 to 40 °C were favourable for sporocyst formation and maturity. The duration for sporocyst formation and maturity was in increasing order as the temperature decreased. The minimum duration observed was at 30 to 40 °C. The sporocyst remained viable for over one year at temperature 35 °C and below, while a 40, 45 and 50 °C the viability was significantly low. 30 to 40 °C were optimum for sporocyst formation and their maturity, while 35 °C and below were most favourable for sporocyst viability. The results are statistically compared and discussed. © 1983, VEB Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena. All rights reserved.