Abstract
ABSTRACT The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) has been extensively used as a biological control agent of spider mites under greenhouse and field conditions. Diapause is an important life history trait that should be taken into account when planning biological control in temperate regions. Diapause in N. californicus is highly variable across the global range. However, little is known to the Korean population of N. californicus. We studied the diapause induction of the N. californicus population originated from the southern island of Jeju, which is the only part of the country where N. californicus naturally occurs. Diapause induction was tested under the combination conditions of four constant temperatures (15, 18, 21, and 24°C) and five photoperiods (6:18, 8:16, 10:14, 12:12, and 14:10 (L: D) h) with one or two generation exposures. Results showed that adult females in every treatment oviposited, indicating that diapause was not induced under these conditions. The preoviposition period was longer at lower temperatures (5.7 ± 0.23 d at 15°C) and gradually shortened as temperature increased (1.1 d ± 0.04 at 24°C). Reproduction and prey egg consumption were higher as temperature increased. In light of these findings, we discuss the potential use of N. californicus as a biological agent of spider mites in greenhouses and on field crops in temperate climate regions.
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