Acarologia (2011) 51, 499-506

P.d.P. Marafeli, P.R. Reis, E.C.d. Silveira, M.A.d. Toledo and G.C. Souza-Pimentel (2011)
Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor, 1954) preying in different life stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)
Acarologia 51 (4), 499-506
Abstract: The predaceous mite Neoseiulus californicus is one of the major biological control agents of tetranychids in greenhouses of several countries. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is one of the main pests affecting rose (Rosa spp.) cultures in Brazil. Chemical methods are used for its control, causing a significant environmental impact. Thus, this work aimed to study the predatory potential of N. californicus as an agent of biological control of T. urticae on roses. For the predatory capacity studies, 40 T. urticae mites /arenas of Jack bean leaves (Canavalia ensiformis) were offered to one specimen of each life stage of N. californicus. The adult females were the most efficient in preying upon immature stages, followed by nymphs. For the functional and numerical responses, adult females of N. californicus were confined to arenas made of Jack-bean leaves, and offered immature stages of T. urticae at the following densities: 0.14, 0.28, 0.70, 1.4, 2.8, 4.2, 4.9, 6.3, 7.7, 9.8, 14.1, 17.6 and 28.2 / cm². The number of killed prey (functional response) and the number of eggs laid by the predator (numerical response) were assessed every 24 hours for 8 days. A type II functional response was inferred through a regression analysis. N. californicus preyed on a maximum of 60 pecimens of T. urticae per adult female per day.
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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	Rosa (crop)	Brazil (south)
Neoseiulus californicus (predator)	Tetranychus urticae		Brazil (south)