Optimal rearing medium for the population growth of the predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Background The successful rearing of predators or parasitoids is one of the most important elements in biological control programs. The dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis (L.), can be used as an alternative prey for the phytoseiid predatory mite, Amblyseius swirs0kii (Athias-Henriot). Main body This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of 3 different diets for C. lactis when rearing A. swirskii: brown sugar, baker’s yeast, and the mixture of brown sugar and baker’s yeast along with 3 initial predator:prey ratios (1:7, 1:12, and 1:20). After 30 days, both the baker’s yeast and the mixture of brown sugar + baker’s yeast diets resulted in the highest predator densities (40.5 times increase at an initial predator:prey ratio of 1:20, with the baker’s yeast diet), whereas the mixture diet produced the highest density of prey. The brown sugar resulted in the lowest number of predator and prey mites. This may be due to lower feeding and predation rates of the prey and the predator mites on the brown sugar medium since its relative moisture content and adhesiveness inhibits mite movement. The final predator:prey ratio was also highest on the baker’s yeast diet. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the population growth of A. swirskii was the highest when C. lactis was reared on baker’s yeast.

Comparison of natural prey Tetranychus turkestani, date palm pollen, and bee pollen diets on development, reproduction, and life table parameters of the predator Amblyseius swirskii

“…Host plants are necessary because a satisfactory artificial diet for T. turkestani is not available. Although factitious prey, e.g., C. lactis, is available for A. swirskii (San et al 2020), additional time, labor, and space will be required to maintain C. lactis colonies. Therefore, the incorporation of a non-prey diet would be most cost-effective.…”

“…Developing or improving techniques to mass produce A. swirskii for augmentative releases against T. turkestani are needed. In efforts to reduce rearing costs, factitious prey, e.g., Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Acari: Carpoglyphidae), has been used to rear A. swirskii (San et al 2020). Yet, additional time, labor, and space will be required to maintain C. lactis colonies.…”

Impact of relative humidity and water availability on the life history of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii

“…The predators were enclosed in a ventilated plastic container (9 cm diameter × 4 cm height) provisioned with dried fruit mites. The dried fruit mites were supplied with a diet of baker's yeast, following San et al (2020). The predatory mite cultures were inspected once a week, and fresh diet was added as needed to maintain a healthy stock of dried fruit mites.…”

“…Higher RH and water availability should improve r whenever any of these food sources are utilized. However, if high RH affects the availability of the food source, then this prediction may not apply (San et al 2020). Overall, white ies may be the best source of food for A. swirskii, but fruit mites are just as effective as other species of mites, arti cial diets and mixed diets of mites and pollen.…”

Impact of relative humidity and water availability on the life history of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii

“…Higher RH and water availability should improve r whenever any of these food sources are utilized. However, if high RH affects the availability of the food source, then this prediction may not apply (San et al 2020). Overall, whiteflies may be the best source of food for A. swirskii, but fruit mites are just as effective as other species of mites, artificial diets and mixed diets of mites and pollen.…”