Comparative life-history traits of three phytoseiid mites associated with Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) colonies in clementine orchards in eastern Spain: implications for biological control

Abstract

The management of Tetranychus urticae, a key pest of clementine trees, is mainly based on the use of acaricides. However, more environmentally safe measures, such as biological control, are being encouraged. Life-history traits of the three most abundant phytoseiid mites associated with T. urticae on this crop (Euseius stipulatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus) were studied. The experiments were performed under laboratory conditions (25 degrees C, 80 +/- 5% RH and 16:8 h (L:D)) on clementine leaves and T. urticae as prey. Euseius stipulatus could not complete its life cycle, whereas P. persimilis and N. californicus completed it satisfactorily. The estimated intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was significantly higher for P. persimilis (0.344 day(-1)) than for N. californicus (0.244 day(-1)) and both were higher than the rm value of T. urticae on clementine leaves. Implications of these results for the biological control of T. urticae in this crop are discussed.

Reproductive parameters of Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) fed with Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae) in laboratory

“…Vasconcelos et al (2008) also reported that the P. fragariae oviposition period lasted 17.1 days, which was close to the results found in the present study of 17.5, however, the longevity of males and females, as well as the fertility of P. fragariae fed with T. urticae, at the same temperature of this study were lower. Escudero and Ferragut (2005) and Abad- Moyano et al (2009) assessing the biological aspects of P. persimilis when fed T. urticae found the oviposition rate of 3.9 and 3.7 eggs/female/day, respectively, which was higher.…”

Suitability of webworm Loxostege sticticalis L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) eggs for consumption by immature and adults of the predatory mite Neoseiulus pseudolongispinosus (Xin, Liang and Ke) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

“…Knowledge on the species of natural enemies that co-occur with pests is essential when searching for indigenous candidates as biological control agents (Abad-Moyano et al, 2009). The Neoseiulus (= Amblyseius) pseudolongispinosus (Xin, Liang and Ke) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) has been found the most proficient and steadfast predator in controlling thrips and whitefly (Sarwar et al, 2011a), and spider mite (Sarwar et al, 2011b) populations.…”

“…Ali & Brennan (2000) described the predatory mite Hypoaspis miles (Berlese) feeding on Lycoriella solani (Winnertz), and Gotoh et al (2004) determined the daily prey consumption rate of the immature stages (nymphs) and adult female of N. californicus on T. urticae eggs. Knowledge on the species of natural enemies that co-occur with pests is essential when searching for indigenous candidates as biological control agents (Abad-Moyano et al, 2009). The Neoseiulus (= Amblyseius) pseudolongispinosus (Xin, Liang and Ke) (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) has been found the most proficient and steadfast predator in controlling thrips and whitefly (Sarwar et al, 2011a), and spider mite (Sarwar et al, 2011b) populations.…”

Gestión Integrada de la araña roja Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae): optimización de su control biológico en clementinos

“…Intraguild predators, including other phytoseiid species, could be among these sources. (Ferragut et al 1987;Zhimo & McMurtry 1990;Bouras & Papadoulis 2005;Abad-Moyano et al 2009b). …”

“…Couples were observed every eight hours until first oviposition. Afterwards, couples were transferred to new arenas every 24 h during five days, and the number of eggs laid per female/arena/day was counted (Janssen & Sabelis 1992;Abad-Moyano et al 2009b). The progeny were fed with untreated T. urticae grown on bean leaves until they reached the adult stage.…”