Journal of Applied Entomology (2005) 129, 211-216

R. Zemek (2005)
The effect of powdery mildew on the number of prey consumed by Typhlodromus pyri (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology 129 (4), 211-216
Abstract: Prey consumption by Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten was studied in the presence and absence of apple powdery mildew, Podosphaera leucotricha (Ell. and Everh.) under constant laboratory conditions. Eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch were offered to predatory mites as a prey. Seven densities ranging from five to 100 T. urticae eggs per arena were used. Mildew conidia (approximately 0.5 mg) were added to half of the arenas by brushing them from infected apple leaves. A single adult female of T. pyri was introduced onto each arena and number of prey eggs consumed was counted 12 h later when the predator was offered new T. urticae eggs again and the procedure was repeated once. Data showed that predators consumed in both experimental periods nearly all prey in experiments with densities up to 40 eggs per arena and no mildew. However, the number of eggs consumed decreased more than twofold when mildew conidia were supplied, even at high prey densities. Differences in predation rate between treatments with and without mildew were highly significant. The results thus indicate that availability of mildew as an alternative food can reduce prey suppression by T. pyri. Possible implications of these findings in biological control of spider mites by generalist predatory mites are discussed.
(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): Rostislav Zemek

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tetranychus urticae	Apple (Malus)
	Podosphaera leucotricha	Apple (Malus)
Typhlodromus pyri (predator)	Tetranychus urticae	Apple (Malus)