Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
Some individual processes, e.g., moulting, in the development of Panonychus ulmi (Koch) can proceed at temperatures as low as 7.2 °C but not at 6.3 °C. the threshold for complete postovarial development lies between 9.2° and 11.7 °C. The threshold for deposition of viable eggs is between 10.7° and 11.7 °C, though some females eclosing at 7.2 °C lay inviable eggs at 9.8 °C. Experimental values obtained in the determination of threshold temperatures can be expressed as two temperatures: the permissive, the lowest experimental temperature allowing a particular process to proceed; and the inhibitive, the highest experimental temperature (below the permissive) preventing completion of the process. The actual threshold lies between these temperatures.