The Effect of Ammonia on the Rate of Termination of Diapause in Eggs of Acheta Commodus (Walk.) (Orthoptera : Gryllidae)

Abstract

Certain ammonium compounds applied at a concentration of 0.04M proved highly effective in terminating diapause in eggs of Acheta. The only obvious characteristic in common between the effective compounds was that all of them had an organic anion, whereas those with an inorganic acid radical were ineffective. Gaseous ammonia applied under conditions of high humidity was effective in terminating diapause after a period of exposure of less than 1 hr. No significant difference was found in the effectiveness of the action of the ammonia at 12 and 23[degree]C, but at 27[degree]C it was less effective.