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Abstract
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The use of an artificial diet may represent a step toward more cost-effective rearing of generalist phytoseiid
mites. Life table studies were performed to evaluate the nutritional value of ten different artificial diets as an alternative
food source for rearing of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor. All experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions,
at 25 1°C, 60 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Most enriched diets reduced the total developmental time
of the predator compared to the basic artificial diet (AD1). All enriched artificial diets (except AD10 (diet enriched with
multivitamin syrup) and AD5 (diet enriched with serum albumin protein)) increased the total fecundity of N. californicus
compared with AD1, and the highest fecundity was observed on the diet supplemented with Ephestia kuehniella Zeller
eggs (AD2). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) values were observed on the diets enriched with E. kuehniella eggs
(AD2), Artemia franciscana Kellogg cysts (AD3) and maize pollen (AD6), whereas the diet enriched with serum albumin
protein (AD5) had the lowest value of this parameter. In conclusion, the diets supplemented with arthropod components,
as well as with bull sperm or maize pollen all enhanced survival, development and reproduction of N. californicus, and
consequently its population growth parameters.
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