Journal of Economic Entomology (2017) 110, 903-914

Ya-Ying Li, Ming-Xiu Liu, Hai-Wei Zhou, Chuan-Bei Tian, Guo-Hao Zhang, Yi-Qing Liu, Huai Liu and Jin-Jun Wang (2017)
Evaluation of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for control of Eotetranychus kankitus (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Journal of Economic Entomology 110 (3), 903-914
Abstract: Eotetranychus kankitus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important pest in Chinese citrus orchards. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for the biological control of E. kankitus. A two-sex life table of E. kankitus and N. barkeri was constructed to estimate development and fecundity. The functional response and stage-specific predation rate were analyzed to evaluate predation capacity. In addition, a timing model was used to project populations of E. kankitus with release of N. barkeri. Results showed that N. barkeri was able to develop and reproduce when fed on E. kankitus. The functional responses of N. barkeri on different stages of E. kankitus all fit the Holling II disc equation. When mixed stages of E. kankitus coexisted, N. barkeri mainly consumed larvae and nymphs. Based on the life tables and stage-specific predation rates, population projection revealed the stage structure and growth rate of N. barkeri on E. kankitus. Although E. kankitus had the higher growth rate, it was maintained at a low population level for several weeks after release of N. barkeri. The results highlighted the potential for utilizing N. barkeri as a biological control agent of E. kankitus.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jin-Jun Wang

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Eotetranychus kankitus	Citrus (genus)
Neoseiulus barkeri (predator)	Eotetranychus kankitus	Citrus (genus)