Functional and numerical responses are influenced by the feeding experience of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) is a commercially available biocontrol agent against various pests. This generalist predator was reared on cattail pollen for 10 generations (G10) and its quality was evaluated using functional and numerical responses to Tetranychus urticae Koch nymph densities as prey. The experiments were conducted by offering a range of prey densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 nymphs) under standard conditions (25 ± 1ºC, 60 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of L16:D8 h). The predator exhibited a type III functional response after ten generations of rearing on cattail pollen (G10), while it was type II when the predator had no experience with pollen (G0). The highest estimated maximum predation rate (T/Th) was in G0 (127 prey/day), and the lowest was in G10 (85 prey/day); while, the observed maximum predation rate (OMPR) in the mentioned generations was 67 and 84 prey/day, respectively. The number of prey consumed and the number of eggs laid by the predator in G10 was significantly more than G0. The effects of predator’s generation, prey density, and their interaction on predation and oviposition rate (on T. urticae) were statistically significant. Therefore, because of the higher predation and oviposition rate, and efficient quality of mass-reared predators on cattail pollen, it is proposed that this pollen can be an appropriate food source for mass rearing of N. cucumeris.