Effects of photoperiod on development and demographic parameters of the predatory thripsScolothrips longicornisfed onTetranychus urticae

Abstract

The effect of five photoperiods (0:24, 6:18; 12:12, 18:6, and 24:0 light:dark (L:D)) on the development, reproduction, and survival of the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis Priesner fed on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, was tested under laboratory conditions at 60% RH and 25°C. Development time of almost all immature stages in S. longicornis was the shortest under long day lengths (18:6 and 24:0 L:D). The adult duration of both sexes decreased with increasing light length from 6 to 24 h. The longevity of male and female decreased with increasing light length. Under a 12:12 L:D photoperiod, S. longicornis females had the longest oviposition period and longevity, highest net reproductive rate (R0 = 15.37), intrinsic rate of natural increase (r = 0.141), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.151). Life table parameters showed a significant difference with various photoperiods. The consequences of the present research demonstrated that a 12:12 L:D photoperiod is the most favorable for the reproduction and development of S. longicornis fed on T. urticae, and that for mas rearing for augmentative biological control programs, would be the ideal photoperiod to maximize production.

Effect of cold storage on development and demographic parameters ofScolothrips longicornisfed on two-spotted spider mite

“…The differences between their results with the results presented here may be related to utilizing the traditional female-centric life table analysis. In traditional life table analysis, the male population component is ignored and based on female age-specific parameters (Pakyari and McNeill, 2020). Since the sex ratio plays an essential role in population growth and life table rate is usually concentrated on parameters of female, we recommend that the age-stage, two-sex life table could be utilized in future research.…”

“…Detailed studies of S. longicornis demographic parameters at different temperatures, functional response, prey stage preference and prey consumption have been measured (Pakyari et al, 2009(Pakyari et al, , 2011a(Pakyari et al, , 2011bPakyari and McNeill, 2020), but no previous research has examined the effect of cold storage on species development duration and demographic parameters.…”

“…Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is widely distributed across the Middle East, North America, India and several European countries (Pakyari and McNeill, 2020). This species appears to be a specialized predator of T. urticae (Gilstrap and Oatman, 1976).…”

Pest mites and their interaction with Phytoseiidae and other arthropod predators in an almond orchard in South-West Spain

“…Scolothrips longicornis has been regularly reported in various crops (e.g., citrus, sweet pepper, nectarines, strawberry) in Spain, feeding on tetranychids that produce a dense web (mainly T. urticae) (Lacasa 1993;Lacasa et al 1993;Sanchez et al 1995;García-Marí and González-Zamora 1999;Abad et al 2009), although its efficacy in regulating pest populations was not emphasized. However, some studies (especially under laboratory conditions) have highlighted its good performance, compared positively with Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, a specific predator of T. urticae (Gerlach and Sengonca 1985) or in different environments and prey (Heidarian et al 2012;Pakyari and McNeill 2020). In this way, S. longicornis has also attracted interest as a promising predator of S. smirnovi on almonds in Iran, showing high densities and a quick response to the mite pest densities (Saeidi and Nemati 2020).…”

Advances in Mass Rearing Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), a Biological Control Agent for Brazilian Peppertree in Florida

“…A dependable and efficient method for mass producing P. ichini is critical to ensure that large numbers of healthy thrips are available for field releases to establish sustaining populations on Schinus infestations ranging from Key West in the south to northcentral Florida, and potentially in other regions of the southern United States. Most of the literature on rearing thrips addresses polyphagous crop and horticultural pests produced for experimental studies [ 22 , 23 ] or rearing predatory thrips for augmentative biological control [ 24 ]. While some techniques such as sanitation and microclimate regulation can be adapted, species-specific dietary needs and developmental biology need to be objectively studied and optimized for adaption in mass rearing.…”