Development and reproduction of the predacious mite, Amblyseius cydnodactylon on different prey species; effect of plant leaf texture on the behaviour and reproduction of the predator.

摘要

Amblyseius cydnodactylon Shehata & Zaher fed on different stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch, Aceria ficus Cotte and Eriophyes dioscoridis [Aceria dioscoridis] Soliman & Abou-Awad, 2nd nymphal stage of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and nymphs of Thrips tabaci (Lind.). Amblyseius cydnodactylon successfully developed when fed on eggs, nymphs and adults of T. urticae. The minimum developmental durations and maximum reproduction were recorded on the prey nymphs, while the longest periods without reproductionwere on the prey eggs. Predatory larvae devoured eggs, but developed to protonymphs without feeding on the other prey stages. The predator consumed the highest number when confined on eggs and the lowest number on adults, and the consumption increased asdevelopment progressed. Amblyseius cydnodactylon was also able to develop and reproduce when fed on other different prey species. The shortest durations and minimum reproduction were on B. tabaci, while the reverse occurred on T. tabaci. The predator was most voracious on Aceria ficus and least on T. tabaci. Amblyseius cydnodactylon successfully developed and reproduced on leaves of pepper [Capsicum annuum], orange, mulberry, clover, tomato and eggplant [aubergine], indicating a minor effect of leaf surface on its behaviour. Pepper leaf was the most appropriate surface, resulting in the shortest generation period and the highest reproduction. Eggplant leaf was the least suitable surface in these respects.