Some factors affecting oviposition by Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) were studied under various controlled conditions in the laboratory. The effect of temperature, relative humidity, light and mating on oviposition were investigated.
Temperatures of 25 and 30°C were optimal for oviposition. The best condition was 30°C and 80% r.h. at which an average of 315.3 eggs were laid per female during its lifetime. The least favourable temperatures investigated were 15 and 35°C. Relative humidity did not have significant effect on the number of eggs laid at 15 and 25°C but at higher temperatures of 30 and 35°C, high r.h. increased the number of eggs laid by individual moths.
Light regimes of 12 hr light and 12hr darkness (LD) and 24 hr darkness (DD) were more favourable than 24 hr light (LL) for oviposition.
Virgin females laid fewer eggs than mated females while prolonged virginity reduced the number of eggs laid and caused resorption of immature oocytes and retention of ripe eggs in the ovaries.
