Typhlodromips swirskii (Athias-Henriot) as a biological control agent for Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)

Abstract

Typhlodromips swirskii was able to develop and reproduce when fed on Panonychus citri. T•~mperature negatively affected its biology. Generation period and adult female longevity decreased from (I 0.59±0.42) and (3 I. 72±0.97) at 20 oc_ to (7.81±0.40) and (21.72±0.41) days at 30 oc_ respectively. Also female laid an average of(33.75±2.64) eggs at 20 °C., decreased to (24.19±1.72) days at 30 8 C. However, rm was 0.14 and 0.18 at both degrees respectively.T. swirskii proved to be effective predator for P. cirri, as at high level of eight predators/ orange seedling, Citrus aurantium L., it gave the highest percent reduction from 27.27% after a five days to 88.89% after a month from release.