Comparison of the life table and reproduction parameters of the Phytonemus pallidus fragariae on the three strawberry cultivars under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The strawberry mite, Phytonemus pallidus fragariae (Acari: Tarsonemidae), is an important pest of strawberries grown in a greenhouse, and field-grown strawberries also may be infested at the high humidity conditions. In this study, we evaluated the life history and demographic parameters of P. pallidus fragariae on three cultivars (Selva, Camarosa and Queen Elisa) of strawberry. The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 20 ± 1°C, 80 ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. The age-stage, two-sex life table program was used to analyze the data. The development time was faster on Selva than on Queen Elisa (18.8 vs. 19.1 days). The oviposition period was longer on Queen Elisa than on Camarosa (12.5 vs. 11.9 days). Fecundity and female adult longevity of P. pallidus fragariae were not significantly different among the three cultivars of strawberry. Life table provides the most comprehensive description of the survival, stage differentiation and reproduction of the population. Although some variations observed in the life table parameters of P. pallidus fragariae, no significant differences were observed among three different cultivars. The fast growth was observed for P. pallidus fragariae on Queen Elisa based on population projection. Therefore, research on these three strawberry cultivars can be used to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of the pest and thereby developing effective pest management programs against P. pallidus fragariae.