Biology and Predatory potential of Neoseiulus longispinosus Evans on Tetranychus urticae Koch

Author: Ranjitha V., Sumathi E., Baskaran V., Senthil A. and Sankari A.

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Abstract

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a polyphagous mite pest infests various agricultural and horticultural crops. Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) is a potential predator on Tetranychus urticae. Experiments were carried out on the biology and to evaluate the predatory potential of N. longispinosus on T. urticae reared on lablab under laboratory. The developmental duration from egg to adult of N. longispinosus was 4.625±0.1874 days. The mean developmental duration of female predatory mite was 4.88±0.09 days and male predatory mite was 4.75±0.06 days respectively. The ovipositional period and longevity of the female and male predatory mite was 10.05±0.436 days, 16.35± 0.9988 days and 19.91±0.5286 days respectively. The total fecundity of N. longispinosus was about 16.2±1.0678 numbers respectively. The predatory mite mostly preferred larval stages of T. urticae when compared to nymphs and adults. The total number of prey consumed by N. longispinosus was 166.01±12.23. The prey consumption rate was higher at temperature 30ºC when compared with 28ºC. Maximum predation was observed at 30˚C i.e. 13.38±0.10 for nymphs and 9.50±0.27 for adults when prey density was 40 nymphs and 40 adults respectively. This present study would help to identify the effectiveness and performance of N. longispinosus against red spider mite, T. urticae.

Keywords

Biology, Predatory potential, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Tetranychus urticae, functional and numerical response

Conclusion

The results of the study revealed that, N. longispinosus was an effective biocontrol agent of T. urticae. It shown higher predation rates at temperatures 30ºC. Overall performance of N. longispinosus satisfy the main requirements for a biological control program to be success. Hence, there is a need to focus on successful mass culturing techniques and field efficacy studies of N. longispinosus for utilising this species in integrated mite management programmes. Further, predatory mites could be used as an alternative to acaricides which helps in reducing the hazards and pollution caused these chemicals.

References

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How to cite this article

Ranjitha V., Sumathi E., Baskaran V., Senthil A. and Sankari A. (2023). Biology and Predatory potential of Neoseiulus longispinosus Evans on Tetranychus urticae Koch. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 156-162.