Life table parameters of the two phytoseiid predators Amblyseius scutalis (Athias‐Henriot) and A. swirskii A.‐H. (Acari, Phytoseiidae) in Egypt

Abstract

Life history of the two phytoseiid species Amblyseius scutalis (= Euseius scutalis (A.‐H.) and A. swirskii A.‐H. was studied at constant conditions 26 ± 1 °C and 70% ± 3 RH to compare their life tables and effeciency as biological control agents. Developmental stages of mite female of both A. scutalis and A. swirskii fed on nymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch durated 7.81 and 5.50 days, respectively. Preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods lasted 2.86 and 1.87; 12.86 and 22.33; 11.40 and 5.12 days for the two mite species, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (Λ) were 0.146 and 0.167; and 1.15 and 1.18; while the net reproductive rates (R0) were 7.22 and 12.97; and the mean generation time (T) was 14.68 and 16.97 for A. scutalis and A. swirskii, respectively. Total fecundity as well as total prey consumption of A. swirskii significantly surpassed those of A. scutalis. Zusammenfassung Lebenstafelparameter von Amblyseius scutalis (Athias‐Henriot) und A. swirskii A.‐H. (Acari, Phytoseiidae) in Ägypten Die Biologie der beiden räuberischen Milben, Amblyseius scutalis (= Euseius scutalis A.‐H.) und A. swirskii A.‐H. wurde bei konstanten Laborbedingungen von 26 ± 1 °C und 70% ± 3 Luftfeuchtigkeit untersucht, um verschiedene Parameter dieser beiden Arten hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit für die biologische Schädlingsbekämpfung zu vergleichen. Die Entwicklungsstadien der weiblichen Milben beider Arten leben räuberisch von den Nymphen von Tetranychus urticae Koch, und ihre Entwicklungsdauer beträgt 7,81 bzw. 5,5 Tage. Die Dauer der Präoviposition, der Eiablagezeit und der Postoviposition beträgt bei A. scutalis 2,86; 12,86 und 11,40 Tage; bei A. swirskii 1,87; 22,33 und 5,12 Tage. Die wirkliche Wachstumsrate (rm) beträgt 0,146 (A. scutalis) bzw. 0,167 (A. swirskii) und die finite Wachstumsrate (λ) 1,15 bzw. 1,18. Die Nettoreproduktionsrate (Ro) liegt bei 7,22 bzw. 12,97 und die mittlere Generationszeit (T) bei 14,68 bzw. 16,97. Hinsichtlich Fekundität und Beutetierkonsum erreichte A. swirskii signifikant höhere Werte als A. scutalis.

Typhlodromips swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae): A Predator of Eriophyid and Tetranychid Mango Mites in Egypt

“…However, these results are in agreement with that reported by Abou-Awad et al, (1999) El-Laithy and Fouly (1992) when reared the predator on the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and that of Metwally et al, (1984) who reared the predator on the citrus brown mite Eutetranychus orientalis Klien. It is worth noting that feeding the predator on each of the four prey did not result in a significant effect on the rate of development of the different stages (Tables 1 & 2).…”

“…Life Comparing the life table parameters of T. swirskii with those of other workers carried out under almost similar conditions showed that the net reproduction rate (Ro) and the mean generation time (T) were 13, 17 on T. urticae (El-Laithy and Fouly, 1992) and 16, 17 on E. orientalis (Aly, 1994), respectively; but on the fig bud mite A. ficus, the predator population could multiply 21 times in a generation time of 20 days (Abou-Awad et al, 1999). Here again, eriophyid mites proved to be more suitable prey for phytoseiid mites than tetranychids.…”

Seasonal climatic variations influence the efficacy of predatory mites used for control of western flower thrips in greenhouse ornamental crops

“…The intrinsic rate of natural population increase is similar for both species (Cloutier et al, 1995;Lee & Gillespie, 2011). The life cycle of A. swirskii feeding on spider mite nymphs at 26 o C, 70% RH was 5.5±0.5 days (El-Laithy & Fouly, 1992). Amblyseius swirskii generally live for 27.87±2.4 days and lay approx.…”

“…Amblyseius swirskii generally live for 27.87±2.4 days and lay approx. 27.8±3.8 eggs during their oviposition period (El-Laithy & Fouly, 1992). A population of A. swirskii increases most quickly when fed its preferred prey of thrips or whiteflies; although, as a polyphagous generalist predator, A. swirskii will feed on other prey if preferred prey are not available (Gerson & Weintraub, 2007;Messelink et al, 2005).…”

Control of the Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Kidney Bean and Pea Plants

“…It is a recent addition to the beneficial assortment, developed and marketed by the Dutch producer of beneficial, Koppert B.V. (van Houten et al, 2005). It is capable to prey on spider mites (Swirski et al, 1967;El-Laithy and Fouly, 1992;Momen and El-Saway, 1993;van Houten et al, 2007).…”