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Generation-dependent functional and numerical responses of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reared on cattail pollen
Paper ID : 1129-IPCA4 (R1)
Authors:
Shima Yazdanpanah *
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract:
Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) is a predatory mite used to suppress immature thrips, two-spotted spider mites, and tarsonemid mites in greenhouse cropping systems. Neoseiulus cucumeris was reared on cattail pollen for 10 generations (G1-G10) and its quality was evaluated using functional and numerical response to Tetranychus urticae Koch nymphs as prey over the generations tested. The experiments were carried out by offering a range of prey densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 nymphs) under standard conditions (25 ± 1ºC, 60 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of L16:D8 h). The predator exhibited a type II and type III functional response in G1 and G10, respectively. The highest estimated maximum predation rate (T/Th) was in G1 (127 prey/day), and the lowest was in G10 (85 prey/day), while the observed maximum predation rate in the mentioned generations was 67 and 84 prey/day, respectively. The number of prey consumed during 24 hours and the number of eggs laid during 48 hours by the predator in G10 were significantly more than G1. The effects of predator generations, prey density and their interaction on predation and oviposition rates (on T. urticae) were statistically significant. According to the results, the mites reared for an extended period (G10) on cattail pollen were more efficient because of higher predation and oviposition rates at each prey density. Since the quality of mass-reared predators did not decline against T. urticae during ten generations reared on cattail pollen, we can propose this pollen as‌‌ an appropriate food source for mass rearing of N. cucumeris.
Keywords:
Attack rate, Handling time, Foraging behavior, Long-term rearing, Tetranychus urticae
Status : Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation)