Sublethal effects of cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen on biological parameters of citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae) whose control is largely based on the use of acaricides, is a key citrus pest in the world. The lethal and sublethal values of cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen were estimated on citrus red mite. LC20 and LC50 values of cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen were 2.79 and 10.23 ppm, and 2.30 and 7.28 ppm, respectively. LC20 concentration effects of cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen were studied on life table parameters of P. citri females. These two acaricides had significant effects on P. citri biological parameters including developmental time, survival rate, and fecundity. Also, the exposure of females to LC20 considerably reduced net reproductive rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ) and intrinsic rate of increase (r). The intrinsic rate of increase in females treated with cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen was 0.156 and 0.153 day−1, respectively, and it was 0.183 day−1 for untreated females. The sublethal concentrations affected the citrus red mite life table parameters and consequently may influence the population growth of its future generations. These results provide a baseline for the response of P. citri to cyflumetofen and spirodiclofen pesticides that will aid mite control management in citrus.