مصطفی خنامانی

In this study life table parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot were determined on Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande and Tetranychus urticae Koch under laboratory conditions (at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH., 16: 8 (L: D) h.). Data analysis and life table parameters were calculated by using the TWOSEX-MSChart programme. The data showed that two-spotted spider mite resulted in significantly longer developmental time (7.97 days) and shorter life span (38.60 days) compared to thrips (7.09 and 43.43 days, respectively). The duration from egg to the first oviposition (TPOP) of the predator on T. urticae (10.59 days) was longer than on F. occidentalis (8.85 days). The number of deposited eggs per female were not affected by the kind of the offered prey. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) on thrips (0.176 day-1) was higher than on spider mite (0.157 day-1); however, there were no significant differences between them. The effects of feeding on two different diets on other life table parameters, including gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), and finite rate of increase (λ), were not significant. In spite of this, the individuals fed on spider mite had a longer mean generation time (T) than those reared on thrips. In conclusion, both prey tested herein can be considered as a good food source for A. swirskii, and this predatory mite has a high ability to control them.