Suitability of two eriophyoid mites as prey to Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Volume 15, Issue 2, Spring 2026 Article ID:150203
https://doi.org/10.22073/pja.150203
Shimaa F. Fahim, Amira A. Abdel-Khalek, Faten M. Momen
Abstract Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) is a common predatory mite in the Middle East region. In the present study, the development and biological parameters of N. barkeri when preyed on Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer or Aceria ficus (Cotte) mite pests were investigated. The predatory mite successfully developed on R. ficifoliae and A. ficus. The pre-adult duration of N. barkeri individuals fed on A. ficus (9.24 days) was shorter than that of those reared on R. ficifoliae (10.35 days). Conversely, the egg production of N. barkeri females reared on R. ficifoliae (35.53 eggs/♀) was inferior compared to those fed on A. ficus (44.12 eggs/♀). Neoseiulus barkeri individuals reared on R. ficifoliae showed considerably lower values of intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) (r = 0.141 day−1, λ = 1.151 day−1) compared to those preyed on A. ficus (r = 0.165 day−1, λ = 1.179 day−1). Our results suggest that N. barkeri could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling these pests.
Life table parameters of Tetranychus urticae(Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) on four strawberry cultivars
Volume 9, Issue 1, Winter 2020, Pages 43-56
https://doi.org/10.22073/pja.v9i1.54771
Shimaa F. Fahim, Faten M. Momen, El-Sayed M. El-Saiedy
Abstract The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is one of the most important pests of strawberry plants worldwide. The present study compared the biology and life table parameters of T. urticae on four strawberry cultivars, including Wanter star, Markez, Fortona and 029 under laboratory conditions. Female developmental times showed a significant difference when recorded on tested cultivars, while such a difference was not observed for the male ones. The developmental time was significantly longer on Wanter star and Fortona in comparison with the others (P = 0.00). Females of T. urticae exhibited the shortest oviposition period and adult longevity on Fortona and Wanter star, while having the longest periods on 029 in this report (P = 0.00). The lowest fecundity and daily eggs laid by females were recorded on Wanter star. The highest rate of fertility was recorded on 029 as compared to other cultivars; therefore, Wanter star is introduced as a resistant cultivar against T. urticae infestation.