Host dependent demographic parameters of spider mite Oligonychus biharensis (Hirst) on two bean species

Abstract

The influence of two economic host plants country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and mung bean (Vigna radiata (L. Wilczek)) on the development, reproduction and demographic parameters of the spider mite, Oligonychus biharensis (Acari Tetranychidae) were constructed using two-sex life table program under laboratory condition at 25 °C, 60–80% RH, and a photoperiod of 16 L:8D h. Both male and female of O. biharensis successfully completed their development from egg to adult on two host plants. Immature development of O. biharensis was shorter on L. purpureus than on V. radiata. Oviposition, lifetime fecundity, female adult longevity of the spider mite was higher on L. purpureus than V. radiata. The net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), mean generation time (tG), finite rate of increase (λ) and gross reproduction rate (GRR) of O. biharensis were significantly affected by host plants. The R0-values of O. biharensis were significantly higher on L. purpureus than V. radiata. GRR also showed the similar trend as of the net reproduction rate. The mean generation time of O. biharensis was higher on V. radiata than on L. purpureus. Based on the intrinsic rate of population increase, L. purpureus was more suitable than V. radiata. The results of the study reveal that the host plants greatly influenced the life parameters of the spider mite O. biharensis and it helps to reveal the population dynamics on particular host plant species.