Study on the Cold Storage Condition of Hypoaspis aculeifer(Canestrini)(Acari: Gamasida) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank)(Acari: Acaridae)

Abstract

The success of biological control depends upon the standard setting and effective mass rearing of natural enemies. In this work, we have investigated cold storage condition of Hypoaspis aculeifer(Canestrini) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank). which has been stored at 8, 12 o C, RH 70 ± 5%, in dark condition. An appropriate temperature of cold storage was 12 o C with wheat bran(50%) and rice bran(50%) for T. putrescentiae. 7o% of T. putrescentiae and H. aculeifer could survive for 28 days and 70 days at 12 o C. After storing at 12 o C with prey mite for 28 days, 56 days and 84 days, their reproduction rate showed similar resultes.