The effects of spirotetramat on the demographic parameters of Neoseiulus californicus (Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Knowledge of the effects of pesticides on biological control agents is mandatory for the successful implementation of IPM programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spirotetramat on the life table parameters of Neoseiulus californicus, under laboratory conditions [25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h]. The experiments were carried out based on the leaf-dip technique. The experimental concentrations including 10000, 20000 and 30000 ppm of the spirotetramat were used in this study. The raw data was analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The longevity, total life span, oviposition period, and total fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to concentrations of 20000 and 30000 ppm. The oviposition period was scored 26 days in the control cohort, which reduced to 22.87 days in the 30000 ppm. The total fecundity ranged between 29.45 and 39.46 (offspring/individual). Among the examined concentrations, the lowest values of the gross and net reproductive rates were 21.96 and 17.69 (offspring/individual), observed for the cohort treated with 30000 ppm concentration. Our findings showed the r and λ of N. californicus were not influenced by the different concentrations. The mean generation time (T) for control was the highest; the values for T varied from 18.35 days at control to 16.36 days at 30000 ppm. Therefore, it was concluded that spirotetramat can be introduced as a compatible pesticide alongside the predatory mite, N. californicus, which is an excellent tool that can be incorporated into the integrated pest management of T. urticae.

Improving the compatibility of pesticides and predatory mites: recent findings on physiological and ecological selectivity

“…Procedures based on demographic parameters proved to be more effective than evaluations based on short-term mortality in estimating pesticide impacts on BCA [19]. They can estimate the effects that may occur in pesticide-exposed populations of pests and BCA over long periods and are currently widely adopted [26][27][28][29].…”

Lethal and behavioural effects of a green insecticide against an invasive polyphagous fruit fly pest and its safety to mammals

“…Growing concerns about climate change, biodiversity, animal welfare, and food security have pushed agriculture towards a more sustainable approach (Bijani et al, 2019;Karami et al, 2017;Valizadeh and Hayati, 2021). The overuse of synthetic insecticides affected human health (Singh et al, 2018), the environment (Cachada et al, 2016;Capowiez et al, 2005;Postigo et al, 2021;Senthil Rathi et al, 2021), especially non-target organisms (Bozhgani et al, 2018;Forson et Storfer, 2006;Ricupero et al, 2020;Wu et al, 2018). In addition, synthetic insecticides are also responsible for the quick development of insecticide-resistant pest strains (Guillem-Amat et al, 2020;Hsu and Feng, 2006;Nwankwo, 2021;Horowitz et al, 2020).…”