Exploring the pollen spectrum: impacts of ten plant pollen grains on the life history traits of Euseius scutalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Abstract

This study evaluated the significance of ten different pollen types-maize, Spanish broom, cattail, marshmallow, malva, sunflower, khejri, pomegranate, ice flower, and bee pollen-in influencing the development, reproduction, and population growth of E. scutalis. The aim was to enhance our understanding of the pollen spectrum acceptable to this predatory mite. Our results indicated that E. scutalis could not complete its immature development on maize, malva, marshmallow, and Spanish broom pollen. Bee and sunflower pollen resulted in the longest developmental times, while khejri, pomegranate, and cattail led to the shortest. The females fed ice flower and pomegranate pollen had the longest lifespans. The adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) was longest with bee and sunflower pollen and shortest with khejri and pomegranate pollen. The total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) was also longest on bee and sunflower pollen, with khejri resulting in the shortest TPOP. Females fed on pomegranate had the longest oviposition days, whereas those on sunflower had the shortest. The highest and lowest fecundity were on pomegranate and sunflower pollen, respectively. Ice flower, khejri, and pomegranate supported the highest gross and net reproductive rates, while bee and sunflower pollen yielded the lowest. Khejri and pomegranate resulted in the fastest growth rates and the highest intrinsic and finite rates of increase. Consequently, maize, malva, marshmallow, and Spanish broom were unsuitable to the growth and reproduction of E. scutalis; bee and sunflower pollen were the least suitable options; ice flower and cattail provided intermediate benefits; and khejri and pomegranate pollen were the most suitable.