The sublethal effect of spiromesifen on life table parameters of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions 25±1 °C, 65±5% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h. To take both sexes and the variable developmental rate among individuals into consideration, the raw data were analyzed based on the age stage, two sex life table. The estimated values of LC5, LC10 and LC15 for N. californicus are found to be 5.834, 9.529 and 13.267 ppm, respectively. The total preoviposition period of N. californicus treated with sublethal concentrations of spiromesifen was not significantly longer than for the control treatment. The minimum total fecundity was recorded for the LC15 concentration of spiromesifen (19.37 eggs/female) that was significantly different to the LC5 and control treatments. Compared with the control, the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0) and gross reproduction rates (GRR) of mites treated by the dose of the LC15 concentration, decreased significantly but the mean generation time (T) was not affected by this sublethal concentration. Our results indicated that increasing concentrations of spiromesifen had significant negative effects on life table parameters of N. californicus.These quantities should not be used in combination with N. californicus in integrated pest management programs in order to obtain optimal of biological control conclusions.
Biological Aspects and Life Table Parameters of the Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Reared on Different Diets
