Effect of Fosfalim-k foliar spray in cucumber on some characteristics of host plant and life table parameters of two-spotted spider mite

IPM is a combination of crop protection practices to keep pests below economic threshold, and one of them is to make the host plants resistant. Various parameters such as the application of fertilizers, irrigation and providing optimum conditions for host plant can benefit its resistance to pests. In order to induce resistance on cucumber (Kish var.), the foliar spray of phosphorus and potassium were incorporated for observing the Tetranychus urticae performance. Therefore, four Fosfalim-k concentrations (i.e. 0, 1, 10 and 30 ml L-1) were sprayed on cucumber (Kish var.) in three time intervals and the life table parameters of T. urticae were studied in the laboratory conditions. The measured plant characteristics included fresh and dry mass, total protein, chlorophyll, carotenoid and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX and GPX). The age-stage, two-sex life table parameters of T. urticae were analyzed using TWOSEX-MSChart software. The 30 ml L-1 concentration caused plant defoliation and was deleted from results. The results showed that CAT and APX enzymes activity and carotenoid concentration were significantly increased while fresh and dry mass and chlorophyll concentration were decreased in response to 10 ml L-1Fosfalim-k. In the studied life table parameters of T. urticae, λ, R0 and r parameters were decreased significantly in this concentration. Hence, spraying cucumber with Fosfalim-k can decrease survival and fecundity of T. urticae and the suggested concentration could be 10 ml L-1.