Mites Inhabiting Date Palm Trees and their Dynamics with Reference to Reproduction and Life Table Parameters of Raoiella indica Hirst (Tenuipalpidae) at Three Different Temperatures

Abstract

Twenty six mite species in 22 genera and 17 families were collected from date palm trees in two Egyptian Governorates during 2012 and 2013. Population dynamics of mites associated with date palm leaves were reported. Biological aspects of Raoiella indica on leaves of Phoenix dactylifera L. were studied under laboratory conditions of 15, 20 and 25±2°C and 60 ± 5% RH. Feeding at 15± 2°C significantly prolonged predator longevity (42.38 & 37.26 days), for females& males, respectively and caused a higher rate of fertility averaged 96 egg through an average oviposition period of 28 day. Life table parameters showed that the highest intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was reached as 0.149 at 20°C, respectively. This range of temperature was considered as the optimal range for this mite. Lower rm value as 0.115 was obtained at 15°C. Time for population doubling was determined as 6.05, 4.65 and 4.83 at studied temperatures, respectively.

BIOLOGICAL STUDIES AND LIFE TABLE PARAMETERS OF Phyllotetranychus gawadii HALAWA, MESBAH & MOHAMED (ACARI: TENUIPALPIDAE) REARED AT TWO TEMPERATURES

“…The 50% mortality of P. gawadii occurrence was short as 74 days at 30°C, while the longest was 93 days at 25 °C. These results agreed with that of Mesbah (2014) who showed that life table parameters of R. indica on leaves of date palm, where the highest intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m ) reached 0.149 at 20°C, respectively. This range of temperature was considered as the optimal range for R. indica .…”

Phytophagous and Predacious Mites of Economic Importance on Date Palms in Dakahleya and New Valley Governorates

“…The population abundance of these tenuipalpid mites appeared in low numbers in spring and autumn months, the highest peak was recorded in May (3.65 individuals) when the temperature ranged between 23-37℃, but disappeared in winter months. This result corresponds to that of Mesbah (2014) who proved the abundant of this pest in spring months. Rodrigues et al (2007) recorded this mite feeding close to the leaf midrib in the two sides of the leaf caused curling and drying of the leaflet tips and the mites remaining in the protected leaf fold and leaves become pale green, then yellow, and finally a copper-brown.…”

“…These results agree with those of El-Halawany and Abou-Setta (2013) who found this predator had one peak in spring and decreased in November then disappeared in winter months; and they reported that it was widely distributed on guava associated with tenuipalpid mites. Moreover, El-Sanady and Mohamed (2013) found this predatory mite in associated with pests infesting date palm varieties in Giza and Suhag governorates of zaghloul and sewi varieties as well, it was recorded by Mesbah (2014) in Giza and Sharkeya. Also, Ghallab (2001) was recorded this predator associated with the spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, Oligonychus mangiferus, Scirtothrips mangifera and different scale insects on mango trees and proved its population abundance reached the peak during September and October.…”

“…Arab countries however contain 78.3% of the total world date palm trees, which demonstrated 75% of the production (El-Sebay and Abbas 2008). Survey of mites associated with palm trees was studied by many authors; El-Sanady and Mohamed (2013), Radwan and Attia (2013) and Mesbah (2014).…”