BioControl (2019) 64, 125-137

Zi-Wei Song, Duc Tung Nguyen, Dun-Song Li and Patrick De Clercq (2019)
Continuous rearing of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus on an artificial diet
BioControl 64 (2), 125-137
Abstract: Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most efficient biological control agents of tetranychid mites and is commercially used in various countries around the world. In this study, four artificial diets were tested as an alternative food source for rearing N. californicus, and life table studies were performed to evaluate the nutritional value of the diets. Further, the performance of N. californicus reared for seven consecutive generations on the artificial diet enriched with Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs was assessed. The egg and larval periods of N. californicus did not differ among the natural prey (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and artificial diets, but the developmental times of the nymphal stages were significantly longer on any of the artificial diets than on the natural prey. The total fecundity of N. californicus was reduced when the predator was fed on any of the artificial diets as compared with T. urticae (54.33 eggs per female). Among the artificial diets, fecundity of N. californicus was best on a basic artificial diet enriched with E. kuehniella (AD2) (41.32 eggs per female). Moreover, AD2 did not significantly affect the longevity and reproduction of N. californicus females after long-term rearing on this artificial diet. The predation and reproduction capacities of N. californicus reared on AD2 for up to four generations were significantly reduced when the predator was switched to natural prey on the first day, but generally improved from the second to third day on. In conclusion, artificial diets supplemented with an extract of E. kuehniella eggs (20%) may have potential for use in the mass rearing of N. californicus.
(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): Patrick De Clercq

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
rearing/culturing/mass production

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tetranychus urticae
Neoseiulus californicus (predator)	Tetranychus urticae