scholarly journals A life table analysis to evaluate biological control of banks grass mite using the predatory mite, Galendromus flumenis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ganjisaffar ◽  
Thomas M. Perring

The predatory mite, Galendromus flumenis (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), has shown promising traits for biological control of Banks grass mite, the major pest of date palms in California. In the present study, reproduction and population growth parameters of G. flumenis on Banks grass mite eggs were studied at 34ºC, 50±10% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) hours. 100 percent of eggs hatched and 63.5 percent of the emerged larvae survived to adulthood. The total immature developmental time was 5.7 and 5.5 days for females and males, respectively. The sex ratio of G. flumenis was 0.70 (females/ females+ males). Mated females laid on average 1.6 eggs per day and 19.9 eggs during their mean ovipositional period of 12.5 days. The net reproductive rate (R0) was 11.5 females/ female/ generation, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.200 females/ female/ day, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.222 population multiplication/ day, the mean generation time (T) was 12.2 days, and the doubling time (DT) was 3.5 days. The lower rm value of G. flumenis than that of its prey (0.24–0.48) explains why Banks grass mite escapes control by G. flumenis in field. These results suggest that augmentative release of this predator would offset the lower rm of the predator, thereby contributing to the control of Banks grass mite. Combined with the benefit of early releases determined in companion studies, future field studies with G. flumenis are being planned.

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Weiwei Sun ◽  
Miao Cui ◽  
Liyuan Xia ◽  
Qing Yu ◽  
Yang Cao ◽  
...  

Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans is a predatory mite inhabiting grain depots in China. The relationship between temperature and the population growth rate of C. malaccensis is useful for predicting its population dynamics. Age-stage, two-sex life tables of the predator, C. malaccensis, reared on Acarus siro were constructed under laboratory conditions at 22, 24, 28, 30, and 32 °C, 75% relative humidity, and a 0:24 h (L:D) photoperiod. Increasing temperature shortened the development time of the immature stages. The complete generation time of C. malaccensis ranged from 11.10 d to 27.50 d. Life table parameters showed that 28 °C was the optimum temperature for the growth and development of C. malaccensis; populations could increase rapidly at this temperature. The highest net reproductive rate (R0 = 290.25) and highest fecundity (544.52) occurred at 28 °C. Temperature significantly affected the intrinsic rate of increase (r), fecundity, and finite rate of increase (λ). The values of age-specific fecundity (high to low) were 28 °C > 24 °C > 30 °C > 32 °C > 22 °C, while the values of age-stage-specific fecundity had the same trend.


Author(s):  
Jie Su ◽  
Fang Dong ◽  
Si-min Liu ◽  
Yan-hui Lu ◽  
Jian-ping Zhang

Abstract The predatory mite, Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein), is a potential biological control agent against spider mites and thrips. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of three diets on the life table of N. bicaudus. The three diets were 1) Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov & Nikolskii) (Acari: Tetranychidae), the natural prey of N. bicaudus; 2) Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae), an alternative prey; and 3) artificial diet primarily consisting of decapsulated shrimp cysts, egg yolk, and honey. The computer simulation was used to project the population growth of N. bicaudus fed on different diets. The preadult developmental time (3.83 d) of N. bicaudus was shortest, and the intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.2782 d−1) and the net reproductive rate (R0 = 18.98 offspring) were highest when reared on the alternative prey Ty. putrescentiae. The total development time (7.37 d) was longest, and the population parameters were the lowest (r = −0.0081 d−1, R0 = 0.85 offspring) when N. bicaudus was reared on artificial diet. The population projection showed that the population of N. bicaudus reared on Ty. putrescentiae could increase fast. Our results showed that the Ty. putrescentiae was the most suitable prey for mass rearing of N. bicaudus. The artificial diet could not support the N. bicaudus population and needs to be improved.


2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solmaz Azimi ◽  
Shima Rahmani ◽  
Masoud Tohidfar ◽  
Ahmad Ashouri ◽  
Alireza Bandani ◽  
...  

Abstract Transgenic Bt cotton developed against lepidopteran pests may not be compatible with parasitoid of secondary pests such as Bemisia tabaci which attack many plants such as cotton. In this study, the effects of Bt cotton on the demographic parameters of Encarsia formosa, parasitoid of B. tabaci were assessed. The data were analysed using the age specific, two-sex life table parameters. The results indicated that pre-adult developmental time, the total preoviposition period (TPOP) and the adult preoviposition period (APOP) in the Bt cotton were significantly longer than in the non-Bt cotton. Also, fecundity and body size in both lines were significantly different. The fecundity was 23.64±0.73 and 43.75±0.89 eggs/females in the Bt and non-Bt cotton, respectively. All the population parameters were affected by the Bt cotton. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.15 day-1 in the non-Bt cotton but it was 0.10 day-1 in the Bt cotton. The finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.11 day-1 in the non-Bt cotton whilst it was 1.08 in the Bt cotton. The net reproductive rate (R0) in the non-Bt cotton was 36.75 but in the Bt cotton these parameters showed 19.62 offspring/individual. Also, the mean generation time (T ) in the non-Bt and Bt cotton was 22.69 and 27.79 days, respectively. The results illustrated, that although transgenic crops are effective tools for management of the target pests, they can adversely affect, either directly or indirectly, the natural enemies dependent on these plants.


Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ganjisaffar ◽  
Thomas M. Perring

Ooencyrtus lucidus Triapitsyn & Ganjisaffar (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was recently recovered from fresh sentinel eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in California. In the present study, life history traits of O. lucidus were studied at 26 ± 0 . 5 ∘ C, 40 ± 10 % RH, and a photoperiod of 14 L: 10 D hours. Results showed that 95.2% of the parasitized eggs yielded successful emergence of adults. The total immature developmental time was 14.27 and 13.95 days for females and males, respectively. The sex ratio of O. lucidus was 0.5 (females/offspring). Mated females laid on average 6.0 eggs per day and 222.7 eggs during their mean ovipositional period of 37.3 days. There was no significant difference in reproduction parameters between mated and non-mated females. The net reproductive rate ( R 0 ) was 103.8 females/female/generation, the intrinsic rate of increase ( r m ) was 0.171 females/female/day, the finite rate of increase ( λ ) was 1.187 population multiplication/day, the mean generation time (T) was 27.1 days, and the doubling time (DT) was 4.0 days. The highest longevity was observed in mated and non-mated females fed with honey, and they lived for 70.8 and 70.1 days, respectively. Providing females with host eggs in addition to honey, reduced their longevity by 24% in mated and 28% in non-mated individuals. Non-mated females and males deprived of honey only lived for 3.5 and 2.5 days after emergence, respectively. Our results indicate that O. lucidus has sufficient life history traits to make it a promising egg parasitoid for the biological control of B. hilaris.


2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 335-345
Author(s):  
Eliza Pourtaghi ◽  
Asghar Shirvani ◽  
Maryam Rashki

Aphids can have devastating effects on agriculture and horticulture, and biological control agents form an important means of controlling them.Aphidius matricariaeHaliday is an important endoparasitoid for the suppression of aphid pest population outbreaks. In this research, the influence of three different temperatures, 20, 25 and 30°C, on some life cycle charactersitic ofA. matricariaewas studied under laboratory conditions when present on its host,Aphis fabaeScopoli. At 30°C, the intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate, finite rate of increase, mean generation time and increase rate in one week were all significantly lower compared to the lower temperatures. The results showed that temperature had a significant effect on the duration of parasitoid development from oviposition to adult emergence. Moreover, the value of doubling time was higher at 30°C than at 20 and 25°C. The parasitoid had the shortest longevity, life span and lowest fecundity at 30°C. This investigation of temperature-dependent development and reproduction can help in the management of biological control programs. The results of this study demonstrate thatA. matricariaeis able to perform, and be mass produced, as a favorable and proper natural enemy for the biocontrol ofA. fabaeat a temperature range of 20-25°C.


Acarologia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-61
Author(s):  
Samah Ben Chaaban ◽  
Brahim Chermiti ◽  
Serge Kreiter

The old world date mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus is an important spider mite pest of the date palms Phoenix dactylifera L. mostly in North Africa and the Middle East. A population of the predaceous mite Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) athenas has been recently found in Tunisia in association with a decrease of O. afrasiaticus densities. The objective of this paper was to assess the development and reproduction abilities of T. ( A.) athenas on O. afrasiaticus under laboratory conditions at two temperatures: 27 and 32 °C. The results obtained show that females of T. (A.) athenas develop in 5 days at 27 °C and 4.1 days at 32 °C. The mean fecundity of T. (A.) athenas was 32.1 and 23.2 eggs per female at 27 and 32 °C, respectively. Life table parameters were stimated: the net reproductive rate (Ro) 27.9 and 17.9 eggs/female, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) 0.322 and 0,344 female/female/day and the mean generation time (T) 10.3 and 8.4 days at 27 and 32 °C, respectively. At both temperatures tested, T. (A.) athenas intrinsic rate of increase was greater than that of O. afrasiaticus (rm = 0.213 at 32 °C,against rm = 0.166 day1 at 27 °C). Typhlodromus (A.) athenas would be able to develop at a wide range of temperatures feeding on O. afrasiaticus and seems to be able to potentially control it.


1983 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
John V. Boyne ◽  
Fred P. Hain

AbstractExperiments were conducted on Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir, seedlings or cut terminals. Results indicate that Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) responds most favorably to temperatures approximating 26 °C and to relative humidity levels approaching 50 to 60%. Developmental time, time to 50% mortality, net reproductive rate, mean generation time, intrinsic rate of natural increase, finite rate of increase, and days for populations to double were computed for each temperature and relative humidity regime. Simulated rainfall severely limits population density on Fraser fir seedlings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 512-524
Author(s):  
Marjan Heidarian ◽  
Yaghoub Fathipor ◽  
Amin Sedaratian-jahromi

Schizotetranychus smirnovi Wainstein is an important phytophagous pest of almond trees which causes serious damage in southwestern Iran. Scolothrips longicornis Priesner has been considered as an efficient predatory thrips that feeds on this spider mite and hence its efficiency for controlling S. smirnovi should be evaluated. In the current study, all main biological parameters of S. longicornis fed on S. smirnovi were determined under laboratory conditions. Data analysis was performed using both female age-specific and age-stage, two-sex life table theories. Duration of incubation, larval, pre-pupal, pupal and pre-adult periods of male predators were 4.73, 3.18, 1.05, 1.86 and 10.82 days, respectively. These periods in female individuals lasted 4.57, 3.92, 1.04, 1.87 and 11.00 days, respectively. Our findings showed that each female laid an average of 62.74 eggs during its ovipositional period (13.61 days). Using the age-stage, two-sex life table, the values of the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and mean generation time (T) were estimated to be 26.236 (eggs/individual), 0.171 (day-1), 1.186 (day-1) and 19.130 (days), respectively. Using the female age-specific life table, these parameters had different values. Our findings revealed that S. longicornis has a reliable capability to increase its population by feeding on S. smirnovi. This information can expand our knowledge for assessing biological efficiency of this predatory thrips in sustainable management of the destructive mite pest. 


1985 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. Messina ◽  
J. A. A. Renwick ◽  
Joyce L. Barmore

Nearly 200 varieties of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, were screened for resistance to the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. Three varieties known to be resistant in West Africa were highly susceptible to an aphid population from the southern United States. Four other varieties, however, inhibited growth of the southern United States population both in the laboratory and in the field. Life-table comparisons using a resistant and a susceptible variety revealed a three-fold difference in the intrinsic rate of increase and a more than twenty-fold difference in the net reproductive rate. High nymphal mortality and low fecundity on resistant plants were largely responsible for these differences.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Jafarbeigi ◽  
Mohammad Amin Samih ◽  
Mehdi Zarabi ◽  
Saeideh Esmaeily

The sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci(Genn.) (Hem.: Aleyrodidae), is an important pest of agriculture in subtropical and tropical areas. In this study, we used the age-stage two-sex life table to evaluate the sublethal effects of the herbal extracts taken fromFumaria parvifloraLam. (Fumariaceae),Teucrium poliumL. (Lamiaceae),Calotropis procera(Willd.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), andThymus vulgarisL. (Lamiaceae) as well as the two commercial synthetic insecticides, pymetrozin and neemarin. The whiteflies were exposed to each insecticide using leaf-dip method. Analysis of life table parameters revealed significant differences (P≤0.05) in the net reproductive rate (R0,NRR), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ) among different insecticides. The lowest values of the three population parameters,R0,r, andλ, were observed on whiteflies treated with pymetrozin (2.455, 0.036, and 1.036),T. polium(2.828, 0.044, and 1.045), and neemarin (2.998, 0.046, and 1.047), respectively. Results of this study highlights the satisfactory insecticidal effects of the extract taken fromT. poliumonB. tabaci, which is comparable to the two commonly used synthetic insecticides.


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