The effect of temperature on the functional response and prey consumption of Phytoseius plumifer (Phytoseiidae) fed on Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae (Diptilomiopidae)

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

In this study the effect of different temperatures on functional response and prey consumption of predatory mite, Phytoseius plumifer fed on adult stages of Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae was determined. Four constant temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30 ± 1°C) and six prey densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 individuals) were used during a 24-h period in functional response experiments. Also the effect of six constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 37 ± 1°C) on prey consumption of P. plumifer on adult stages of R. ficifoliae was determined. Using the logistic regression, the type II functional response was determined for P. plumifer adult female at all tested temperatures. The type II Rogers' model was used to estimate the values of the searching efficiency (a) and handling time (Th). The maximum and minimum searching efficiency of P. plumifer were 0.101 h-1 at 25ºC and 0.030 h-1 at 15ºC, respectively. The handling time decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 25°C and the minimum value of Th was observed at 25°C (0.53 h), with increasing temperature to 30°C, handling time increased again (0.74 h). The minimum and maximum daily prey consumption of whole immature stages of P. plumifer were observed at 15ºC (12.15±0.06) and 25ºC (31.60±0.93), respectively. The maximum value of the total consumed prey by adult female of P. plumifer on adult stages of prey was 1049.9±15.5 that observed at 25ºC. The finding of this study showed that the different stages of P. plumifer fed on adult stages of R. ficifoliae and it can be considered as an appropriate biological agent in control of this pest.

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Plant Pest Research
Volume 6, Issue 1
June 2016
Pages 71-83

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 June 2016
  • Accept Date: 07 June 2016

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