UMAR NURUDDEEN GIDADO

U1/19/BIO/0066
ZOO 4311 APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY

DIAPAUSES IN INSECTS AS FACTORS IN THEIR CONTROL

Diapause is a period of dormancy or arrested development in an insect's life cycle,
typically triggered by environmental cues such as changes in temperature, day length, or
food availability. Diapause is an important factor to consider in the control of insect
populations, as it can affect the timing and success of pest management strategies.

Diapause is a period of dormancy or suspended development that some insect species

undergo in response to unfavorable environmental conditions, such as extreme
temperatures, lack of food, or drought. During diapause, insects halt their normal growth
and metabolic activity, allowing them to survive until conditions improve. Diapause can
occur at different stages of an insect's life cycle, such as in the egg, larval, pupal, or adult
stage.
Diapause plays a crucial role in the survival and population dynamics of insect species, as
it allows them to adapt to and survive in changing environments. Insects that undergo
diapause are able to withstand harsh conditions that would otherwise be lethal, such as
cold winters or dry seasons. This ability to enter diapause at specific times and under
specific conditions is a highly evolved response that ensures the survival of the species.

One way diapause can impact insect control is by affecting the timing of pest outbreaks.
Insects in diapause may emerge at different times than those not in diapause, leading to
uneven population dynamics and making it challenging to predict and control pest
populations. Understanding when insects are in diapause can help in timing control
measures such as the application of pesticides or the release of natural enemies.

Diapause can also affect the effectiveness of control methods such as insecticides. Insects
in diapause may be more resistant to chemical treatments due to changes in their
physiology and metabolism during this dormant period. In some cases, diapausing insects
may require higher concentrations of insecticides or multiple applications to effectively
control their populations.

Additionally, diapause can impact the selection and success of biological control agents.
Natural enemies of insect pests may have difficulty targeting pests in diapause, as their
activity and reproduction may be reduced during this dormant period. Understanding the
diapause behavior of both the pest and its natural enemies can help in designing effective
biological control strategies.
From a control perspective, diapause can present challenges for managing insect
populations. For example, diapausing insects may be less susceptible to control methods
such as insecticides, as their reduced metabolic activity during diapause can render them
less susceptible to chemical treatments. Additionally, the timing of diapause can vary
among individuals within a population, making it difficult to predict when insects will
become active again.

However, understanding the factors that trigger diapause in insects can also be used to
manipulate their populations for control purposes. By manipulating environmental
conditions or using specific control methods at the right time, it may be possible to
disrupt the diapause cycle and reduce insect populations. For example, introducing
predators or parasites that target diapausing insects during a vulnerable stage can help
control their numbers.

In conclusion, diapause is a complex and important factor in the control of insect

populations. While it can present challenges for control efforts, it also offers
opportunities for targeted control strategies that take advantage of the unique life history
traits of diapausing insects. By understanding and manipulating the factors that trigger
diapause, it may be possible to effectively manage insect populations in a sustainable and
environmentally friendly manner.

Overall, diapause in insects is an important factor to consider in the control of pest

populations. By understanding the timing and factors triggering diapause, pest managers
can better predict and plan for pest outbreaks, select appropriate control methods, and
optimize the timing of control measures to effectively manage insect populations.