Transgenerational impacts of low-lethal acaricide exposures on Panonychus citri and compatibility with the predator Neoseiulus californicus

Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) was evaluated under selective low-lethality acaricide regimes to assess multigenerational effects and compatibility with its predator Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Adult female P. citri (F 0 , parent generation) was exposed to lowlethal (LC 30 , ∼30 % lethal concentration) concentration of a novel acaricide (SYP-9625), abamectin, mineral oil, or vegetable oil. All treatments significantly reduced F 0 fecundity and survival, leading to suppressed population growth in the F 1 generation (offspring). Offspring from synthetic acaricide–treated mothers developed more slowly, whereas oil-based treatments did not prolong F 1 development but still shortened the offspring’s lifespan and reduced their fecundity. Binary mixtures of botanical oils with synthetic acaricides showed mostly synergistic toxicity against P. citri , yielding higher mortality than the respective single compounds. Integrating N. californicus with these low-toxicity treatments greatly improved control efficacy: predator–acaricide combinations caused faster and higher P. citri mortality and prevented pest resurgence. Importantly, the LC 30 treatments were largely innocuous to the predator. Neoseiulus californicus survival and oviposition were not significantly affected by these treatments (particularly in the oil-treated groups). However, abamectin residues did cause an initial repellent effect on the predators. Overall, selective acaricides and oils imposed transgenerational fitness costs on P. citri and, when combined with predation, achieved efficient mite suppression without harming the predator. These findings support the use of predator-compatible, low-lethality acaricides in integrated pest management of citrus mites. • Acaricides SYP-9625, abamectin, vegetable oil, and mineral oil showed varying toxicity against Panonychus citri and Neoseiulus californicus . • Low-lethality acaricides negatively affected P. citri reproduction and offspring development, especially synthetic ones. • Acaricide mixtures, like SYP-9625 + abamectin, displayed synergistic toxicity, improving P. citri control. • N. californicus enhanced P. citri control when combined with low-lethality acaricides, without harming predator survival. • Botanical oils (VO, ES) were more compatible with N. californicus , while abamectin repelled predators.