Predatory potential of the phytoseiid Neoseiulus longispinosus (evans) on Tetranychus urticae koch infesting Brinjal

摘要

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is an important pest, and due to acaricidal resistance, there is a need to develop ecofriendly biocontrol approach. This study evaluates the functional and numerical response of its predatory miteNeoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) on brinjal. The results reveal that the predation rate increased with prey density, and predation and oviposition rates were more with adult and egg stages. A linear relationship was observed between eggs laid and prey density.