Life table parameters of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) on different strawberry cultivars in the laboratory conditions

Abstract

Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is a predatory mite that can control spider mites. The effect of seven strawberry cultivars (including: ‘Marak’, ‘Yalova’, ‘Aliso’, ‘Gaviota’, ‘Sequoia’, ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Chandler’) on the growth and development of N. californicus was studied in the laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D photoperiod). There was significant difference in the number of trichomes on the leaves of strawberry cultivars. Life table parameters were analyzed based on age stage, two sex life table. Egg incubation and protonymphal duration were significantly different when the predator was reared on different cultivars. There was no significant difference of total longevity among different cultivars. The longest preoviposition period was observed on ‘Aliso’ (1.70 days). The fecundity rate on ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Sequioa’ (6.90 and 8.91 eggs, respectively) was lower than other cultivars tested. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.20 day) and fecundity rates (13.29 eggs) were on ‘Chandler’, which might be due to the higher nutritional quality of Tetranychus urticae Koch reared on it or its low density of trichomes. Among the seven strawberry cultivars ‘Sequoia’, ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Yalova’ were recognized unsuitable for development and reproduction of N. californicus.