Host-dependent life history and life table parameters of Tetranychus truncatus (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The effects of three economically important host plants, jute (Corchorus capsularis L.), bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and papaya (Carica papaya L.), on the development, reproduction and demographic parameters of the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae) were investigated under laboratory conditions of 30 ± 1°C, 60–80% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D using age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. Both male and female T. truncatus successfully completed development from egg to adult on the three host plants. The development time from egg to adult for female T. truncatus was longer on Jute than on bean and papaya. Male and female longevities were higher on jute and bean than on papaya. Fecundity of T. truncatus was higher on jute than on bean and papaya. Adult pre-oviposition period was lower on bean and the number of oviposition days were higher on jute. The net reproduction rate of T. truncatus was significantly higher on jute than on bean and papaya, whereas intrinsic rate of natural increase and the finite rate of increase were higher on bean than on the other two host plants. The mean generation time of T. truncatus was higher on jute than on bean and papaya. These results based on the intrinsic rate of natural increase indicate that jute and bean were more suitable than papaya as hosts for T. truncatus, to helping develop management and control strategies for this pest.