Temperature-dependent development of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on Rhododendron simsii

Abstract

The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is one of the major pests causing severe economic damage in Rhododendron simsii Planch hybrid production in Belgium. In order to optimize biological control programs and to parameterize warning programs, we studied the effect of environmental temperature on the development of P. latus on R. simsii leaves. In combination with a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D) and a relative humidity of 80 ± 5 %, six constant temperatures (15, 17, 20, 25, 30 and 33 ± 1 °C), were studied. Total developmental times of 13.3, 10.5, 6.6, 4.2, 3.5 and 4.0 days were measured, respective to each of the aforementioned temperatures. Development of females took significantly longer than that of males at 15, 17, 20 and 30 °C. Survival rates observed between 17 and 30 °C varied between 43.5 and 96.9 %. Lower survival rates were found at 15 and 33 °C, i.e. 31.8 and 23.6 %, respectively. The lower, optimal and upper developmental threshold (t min , t opt and t max , respectively) and thermal constant (K) of the pest were estimated for each life stage by a linear and two non-linear models. Based on measurements of total development of P. latus thermal thresholds of 10.0, 30.1 and 36.0 °C were calculated for t min , t opt and t max , respectively. The number of degree-days needed to complete immature development when feeding on R. simsii was 66.7.

Screening for broad mite susceptibility in Rhododendron simsii hybrids

“…Development at higher temperatures is achieved even more quickly, e.g. in 4.2 days at 25°C and 3.5 days at 30°C (Luypaert et al 2014). The present experiments were conducted at a minimum temperature of 21°C.…”

“…At a constant temperature of 20°C, broad mite eggs are able to reach adulthood in 6.6 days on R. simsii hybrid 'Nordlicht' (Luypaert et al 2014). Development at higher temperatures is achieved even more quickly, e.g.…”

Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid Levels in Defense Response of Azalea (Rhododendron simsii Hybrid) to Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)

“…In preliminary tests with a floating disc assay, the application of 50 or 100 µM SA had no significant effect on the broad mite population size [35]. Other preliminary data suggest that the application of SA can lead to increasing population sizes of broad mites, but this depends on the SA concentration applied.…”

Thermal Biology ofLiorhyssus hyalinus(Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) andNysius simulans(Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), Fed on the Milky Stage of Maize Grains

“…The linear relationship between temperature and development rate ( 1/development time ) of eggs and nymphs was described by a linear day-degree model, which has been well documented to be suitable for estimation of lower development thresholds (LDTs) and thermal constants in several arthropods ( Campbell et al 1974 , De Clercq and Degheele 1992 , He et al 2003 , Du Plessis et al 2011 , Bonte et al 2012 , Luypaert et al 2014 , Mujica et al 2017 ). The equation fitted was ‘ Y = a + bX ’, where Y is the development rate, X is the rearing temperature, and the regression parameters are the intercept ( a ), and the slope ( b ).…”