Journal of Pest Science (2004) 77, 131-135

C. Kazak, W.W. Cone and L.C. Wright (2004)
Influence of variable photoperiods on the feeding activity and fecundity of Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under laboratory conditions
Journal of Pest Science 77 (3), 131-135
Abstract: The influence of variable photoperiods on the feeding activity and fecundity of Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) was studied on a diet of Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs. Starved G. occidentalis females were fed T. urticae eggs under ten 24-h light:dark regimes. Half of the tests started during photophase and the other half during scotophase. T. urticae eggs that were consumed and G. occidentalis eggs that were laid were counted at the end of each photophase and scotophase in a 24 h period. In general, G. occidentalis consumed more T. urticae eggs per h in the first phase of the experiment than in the second, regardless of whether the lights were on or off. In contrast to egg consumption, there were no statistical differences in the mean daily fecundity at the end of the 24-h periods. However, when the experiment was started during photophase, higher fecundity/h was encountered during scotophase than during the photophase. As a result, egg consumption rates were affected by photoperiods in both phases of the experiments. Logistic regression analysis revealed that variable photoperiods and egg consumption did not influence the fecundity of G. occidentalis.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Cengiz Kazak

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tetranychus urticae
Metaseiulus occidentalis (predator)	Tetranychus urticae