Comparison of predation rate of Amblyseius swirskii fed on Phyllocoptes adalius and Tetranychus urticae under laboratory conditions

The predation rate and prey preference is essential in the selection and efficiency of appropriate combinations of beneficial species for biological control. Amblyseius swirskii is a phytoseiid mite that feeds on many species of small arthropods as well as pollen grains. In the present study, predation capacity of this mite in control of Tetranychus urticae and Phyllocoptes adalius as two serious pests in greenhouse were studied under laboratory conditions. The experiments, were conducted at 25± 0.5˚C, 70-75% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) and adults were introduced in Manger cages. For quantification of the daily predation rate, 10 and 20 individuals of the tetranychus and eriophid were supplied to the adult of A. swirskii, respectively. The average predation rate (C0) on eriophid and tetranychus mites was 183 and 420 mite, respectively that shows a high rate of predation on the pest population. The maximum consumption was recorded for the adult female during the oviposition period. Results suggest that A. swirskii is able to feed on both prey mites and could be used for biological control of these pests.