Can supplementary food (pollen) modulate the functional response of a generalist predatory mite (Neoseiulus cucumeris) to its prey (Tetranychus urticae)?

Abstract

In augmentative biocontrol, more generalists are being investigated for their potential in pest control. Although other food sources such as supplementary food may enhance the survival of generalists, whether they will affect their predation capacity is still an open question. Here, we investigated the influence of Typha orientalis pollen on the predation rates and functional response of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to immature Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Pollen did lead to a decrease in predation rate of the predator in the short-term test. However, N. cucumeris displayed a type II functional response to immature T. urticae, with high predation rates on eggs and larvae irrespective of the presence of pollen. Pollen also did not have a significant negative influence on the attack rate and handling time of the predators. These findings suggest that N. cucumeris can be an efficient predator of immature T. urticae even when pollen is available.