REDIA (2006) 89, 59-63

S. Simoni, R. Nannelli, D. Goggioli, S. Guidi and M. Castagnoli (2006)
Biological and demographic parameters of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari Phytoseiidae) reared on two astigmatid mites
REDIA 89, 59-63
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate biological and demographic parameters of Neoseiulus californicus, an efficient predator of spider mites, when reared on Lepidoglyphus destructor and Acarus siro, during the first three consecutive generations on each tested prey, and after numerous generations when predator adaptation had presumably occurred. The estimated r_m of N. californicus reared on L. destructor at 25°C ranged from a minimum of 0.202 day^-1 (second generation) to a maximum of 0.245 day^-1 (first generation); at the third and nth generations (after 18 months) the values were slightly higher than at the second but never approached those recorded at the first generation. The predominance of non-adult stages in the N. californicus long time rearing on L. destructor proved the good condition of the reared population. With A. siro, the estimated r_m of N. californicus ranged from a minimum of 0.104 day^-1 at 25°C to a maximum of 0.180 day^-1 at 22°C after 5-6 months of adaptation and just before the decline of the predator's population. In spite of the trend toward improved performance on A. siro, N. californicus could not maintain a good population on this alternative prey. The intrinsic rate of population increase of N. californicus reared on L. destructor was higher than the values obtained on any other prey except on the two-spotted spider mite. Lepidoglyphus destructor is thus confirmed as an optimal candidate for the large-scale mass-rearing of N. californicus.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Marisa Castagnoli

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

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