Abstract
The physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a potential plant for biofuel production. However, its productivity is limited by pests such as the broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) and the red spider mite (Tetranychus bastosi). Despite the problems resulting from their misuse, chemicals are currently the primary method of controlling these herbivorous mites, but biological control by native organisms represents an alternative approach. The predatory mite Typhlodromus transvaalensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was collected from J. curcas plants associated with P. latus and T. bastosi in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. We studied predation rates, biological parameters and reproduction of T. transvaalensis feeding on P. latus and T. bastosi as well as the effects of adding pollen from corn (Zea mays), physic nut (J. curcas) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) to the diet. Adult female T. transvaalensis were more efficient at predating all stages of P. latus than T. bastosi. The T. transvaalensis life cycle was shorter with diets including R. communis pollen, but Z. mays pollen was also suitable for reproduction. The results indicate that T. transvaalensis is a generalist predator with high potential for controlling P. latus in J. curcas plantations and that the presence of R. communis and Z. mays crops boosts its development and reproduction.
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