The Effect of Different Factors on Mass Rearing of Predatory Mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari:Phytoseiidae)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Asisstant Prof. Zoology Research Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO). Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Sutent, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Abstract
The predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus preys on phytophagous mites and small insect pests. Different methods were investigated for studying of mass rearing methods of this predatory mite. We used different host plants (lima bean leaves, strawberry leaves, mulberry leaves, cucumber leaves) and artificial plates as arena and different diets (Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs, Tyrophagus  putrescentiae (Schrank) nymphs and adults, and Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) eggs), plant pollens (walnut pollen, sun flower pollen, bee pollen, corn pollen and date pollen). In each rearing container, 15 female predatory on exciseted sponge used. The number of predatory mites were counted after 5, 10 and 14 days. In another test, we investigated the survival and fecundity rate with removeing the eggs of predatory mite in each container. The best choice for mass rearing of this predatory mite is agar beds with feeding on Tyrophagus mite. The longevity  (18.50 days) and fecundity (34.10 eggs per female) of the predatory mite on agar were more than other treatments (P<0.05). The plastic arena prepared appropriate condition for this predatory mite. The best choice for mass rearing between the tested pollens were walnut and date pollen because of their more nutritious compounds. The date pollen is the most economic. The nymphs and adults of Tyrophagus mite were suitable. Using of artificial materials such as agar and plant pollens for mass rearing of this predatory mite could facilitate the way for control of key pests.
 

Keywords


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