Influence of different diets on biological characteristics and life table parameters of the predatory mite, Neoseiulus baraki Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The predatory mite, Neoseiulus baraki Athias-Henriot has been reported from the Asia, Africa and Americas, frequently in association with eriophyid and tetranychid mites, these are the most important pests of fig trees in different parts of the world. The objective of our study was to examine the influence of different diets on biological characteristics and life table parameters of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki under laboratory conditions. All trials were conducted on fig leaf discs in an incubator at 33 ± 2 °C, 55 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L: D) h. As food sources for the predatory mite, nymphal stages of fig bud mite Aceria ficus (Cotte) (Acari: Eriophyidae), different life stages of two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), corn pollen Zea mays L. and citrus pollen Citrus aurantium L. were selected. The results show that food type did not significantly effect on N. baraki survival; it varied between 95 and 98%. Development time was significantly shorter for N. baraki females fed on A. ficus (5.17 ± 0.16 days) than T. urticae (6.49 ± 0.31 days) or corn pollen (6.72 ± 0.20 days) or citrus pollen (6.91 ± 0.30 days). Female longevity varied from 21.31 ± 2.09 to 27.43 ± 1.78 days; the maximum value was noted on a diet of A. ficus. The longest oviposition period and greatest value of fecundity was observed on A. ficus, followed by T. urticae, corn pollen and citrus pollen. The net reproduction rate (R_o), finite rate of increase (λ) and intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) reached the highest value on A. ficus. Considering these results, in the absence or scarcity of the primary prey in the fig orchards, corn pollen or citrus pollen can be recommended as supplementary or an alternative food for N. baraki. Furthermore, N. baraki has promising qualities to suppress A. ficus and T. urticae populations and is suitable as biocontrol agents against these pests.