Amblyseius Swirskii Athias-Henriot Research Articles

Damage caused by mite Tetranychus merganser (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) on Carica papaya (Violales: Caricaceae) plants and effect of two species of predatory mite

ABSTRACTPapaya (Carica papaya L.) is an important crop in all tropical countries including Mexico. Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux was recently detected in Mexico, and represents a potential threat to papaya production. There is little available information on this mite; therefore, research on this species is urgently required. We undertook a series of experiments to assess the effect of different initial densities of T. merganser on the level of leaf damage and photosynthetic activity of papaya; evaluations were made 21, 42 and 63 days after the experiments were initiated. We found that the greatest damage caused by T. merganser occurred after the final sampling time (63 days), regardless of the initial density of T. merganser; there were no differences among treatments in photosynthetic activity or chlorophyll content. We also evaluated how introduction of the generalist mite predators, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Gamasida: Phytoseiidae) or Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Gamasida: Phytoseiidae), affected the relationship between the level of leaf damage and final densities of T. merganser at the end of the experiment. The introduction of predators resulted in a significant decrease in T. merganser densities. The need for early detection of this pest to reduce damage, and achieve the greatest impact of biological control is discussed.

Age-stage predation capacity of Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on susceptible and resistant rose cultivars

ABSTRACTPredation rate is basic to any investigation of prey–predator interaction. The predation rate of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, reared on the susceptible (Yellow) and resistant (Roulette) rose cultivars was determined under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The value of total prey consumption in different life stages of both predators was higher on TSSM reared on the resistant rose cultivar than those on the susceptible one. In addition, the value of total prey consumption in different life stages of P. persimilis was higher than A. swirskii on both susceptible and resistant rose cultivars. The net predation rate (C0) of both predators on TSSM reared on the resistant rose cultivar was higher than those on the susceptible one. The stable predation rate (ψ) on the susceptible and resistant rose cultivars was 2.50 and 3.77 preys/predator for P. persimilis, respectively, and 2.24 and 2.76 preys/predator for A. swirskii, respectively. The finite predation rate (ω) in P. persimilis on the susceptible and resistant rose cultivars was 3.10 and 4.41, respectively, and in A. swirskii it was 2.58 and 3.10, respectively. The results revealed that the performance of both predators on the resistant cultivar (Roulette) was better than the susceptible one (Yellow), and based on the results of the finite predation rate, P. persimilis on both cultivars had higher performance compared with A. swirskii.

<p><strong>Assessment of sublethal effects of spirodiclofen on biological performance of the predatory mite, </strong><strong><em>Amblyseius swirskii </em></strong><strong></strong></p>

Abstract An understanding of the impact of acaricides on predatory mites is crucial for integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The present study evaluated the sublethal effect of spirodiclofen on life table parameters of the subsequent generation of the predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch under laboratory conditions. The sublethal concentrations LC10, LC20 and LC30 were determined based on a dose-effect assay. Exposure to the sublethal concentrations of spirodiclofen had no significant effects on developmental time of offspring of treated mites. Compared with LC10 treatment, the oviposition period of treated mites with LC20 and LC30 concentrations decreased significantly. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproductive rate (R0) were not affected by sublethal concentration. Our results suggest that sublethal concentrations of spirodiclofen may not affect the population parameters of offspring from...

Compatibility of Amblyseius swirskii with Beauveria bassiana: two potentially complimentary biocontrol agents

The two biocontrol agents Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) have the potential to complement one another as part of an integrated pest management programme. While both can suppress whitefly and thrips infestations in protected crops, A. swirskii is primarily used preventatively whereas B. bassiana can be used as a curative treatment at higher pest levels. With this concomitant use in mind, the research presented here aimed to identify potential negative effects of the commercial B. bassiana strain GHA on A. swirskii in a laboratory study. Adult A. swirskii were found to be susceptible to B. bassiana infection with slight to moderate virulence (20.74 ± 3.89 to 48.33 % ± 3.07) depending on the type of exposure and with a reduction in fecundity over time. There was however no negative effect on juvenile survival neither on dry residue nor on the offspring of infected mites. Thus, these two biocontrol agents do have the potential to be complementary. Further trials in the field are still required before a final conclusion can be reached.

Prey preference of predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

ABSTRACTTetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are major pests in greenhouse crops. Recently, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was shown to be an effective biological control agent of both pests. Therefore, the prey preference of A. swirskii was determined using immature stages of T. urticae and B. tabaci in three various treatments based on Manly's β preference index (β). These treatments consisted of immature stages of two prey species (egg, first and second instar nymphs) with densities 12:12, 6:6 and 3:3, respectively, and with 13 replicates. After 24 h starvation, same-aged females of A. swirskii were added to the leaf discs. All experiments were done on bean leaf discs in Petri dishes (8 cm in diameter) in laboratory conditions with 25 ± 2°C, 70 ± 5% relative humidity and the photoperiod of 16L:8D hours. Comparing the preference indices using t-tests indicates a significant preference of the predator on eggs (t = 10.80, df = 24, P < 0.0001) and second instar nymphs (t = 8.17, df = 24, P < 0.0001) of T. urticae than B. tabaci. Our findings suggest that developmental stages of prey have effect on the prey selection by A. swirskii.

Food preference of Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on different stages of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The prey preference of polyphagous predators plays an important role in suppressing different species of herbivorous mites and insects. Prey stages preference of the predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot was investigated among egg, protonymph and deutonymph of Tetranychus urticae Koch and egg, first and second instar nymphs of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius. All experiments were conducted using bean (cultivar: Almoti) leaf discs in Petri dishes (8 cm in diameter) under laboratory condition with 25±2 C, 70±5% RH and 16 L: 8 D photoperiod. The preference for female predator was calculated with Manly’s preference index ( β ). Comparison of the preference indices using a t-test showed that A. swirskii consumed significantly more eggs than protonymphs and deutonymphs of T. urticae . There was also a significant difference between consumed protonymphs and deutonymphs of T. urticae . A. swirskii consumed significantly more eggs than second instar nymphs of B. tabaci . There was a significant difference between first instar nymphs and second instar nymphs of B. tabaci and between eggs and first instar nymphs of B. tabaci . Our findings suggest that prey stages had effect on the prey selection of A. swirskii .

Quality Assessment of the Commercially Available PredatorAmblyseius swirskii(Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a commercially available predatory mite used to control thrips, whiteflies, and broad mites in horticultural production. The inconsistent quality of mass-produced biocontrol agents is a major concern in augmentative biological control and only a few studies have tested the post-shipment quality of commercial phytoseiids. We evaluated the post-shipment quality of A. swirskii purchased from a commercial provider in the United States. Guidelines for quality control of commercially produced natural enemies, established by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC), were followed. Quantity, survival, fecundity, and establishment in ornamenttal peppers (‘Explosive Ember’) were measured. The estimated quantity of A. swirskii motiles (immatures and adults) was quite variable among bran containers (20,968 ± 7,391 mites) but close to the number claimed in the label. Numbers of living A. swirskii females evaluated (n = 30) declined by less than 40% (26 ± 1.25 females) within two days of arrival and declined more than 50% by day eight (15 ± 1.23 females). No significant differences among days sampled were identified for female fecundity; however, fecundity varied considerably among containers. There was no population increase in the ornamental peppers during the two weeks following inoculation with A. swirskii.Accepted for publication 3 September 2016.

Effectiveness of Swirski-mite (Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot) in control of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on cucumber plants treated with biostimulants

Summary The experiments were conducted, on cucumber plants cultivar Aramis, treated and not treated with the biostimulants: Asahi SL and Siapton 10 L, in the glasshouse and laboratory conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the application of biostimulants in cucumber cultivation can influence the efficacy of biological control of Tetranychus urticae by predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot. It was found that A. swirskii decreased development of T. urticae population on both treated and not treated plants with biostimulants. The effectiveness of A. swirskii, at the low infestation of spider mites, was similar on the plants cultivated without biostimulants and the plants treated with Asahi SL while lower on the plants treated with Siapton 10 L. A similar dependence was also observed for the development of predator population on these plants. The highest predator population developed on plants severely infested by spider mites and treated with Asahi SL. With large number of mites on leaves the biostimulant increased also effectiveness of predator, which occurred as high consumption of T. urticae eggs and young larvae.

Predation by Neoseiulus cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii on Thrips palmi and Frankliniella schultzei on cucumber

Thrips palmi Karny and Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are serious pests of various crops of economic importance across the globe. Two species of phytoseiid mites were evaluated as potential predators of T. palmi and F. schultzei in the laboratory, a shade house and a commercial cucumber production field. In a no-choice lab bioassay, both Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) and Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudemans (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) preyed in equal measure on larvae of T. palmi and F. schultzei placed on leaf disks. In the shade house, mites were only recovered from leaf samples and not in flowers. Consequently, they were only effective in controlling T. palmi on leaves. Two rates of mites (20 and 40 mites/plant) were tested in the field. Neither species nor rate suppressed F. schultzei in blooms. In contrast, both rates of A. swirskii suppressed T. palmi on leaves, although the high rate acted more rapidly and therefore had a greater overall effect over the course of the 22-day study. These results suggest that A. swirskii can serve as an effective alternative to conventional insecticide-based management of T. palmi in commercial open field cucumber production in Florida.

Potential of two populations of Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for the control of Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Brazil.

Predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are commercialized in European and North American countries for the control of whiteflies (Insecta: Aleyrodidae). Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the predators used for that purpose. This predator is not found in Brazil and in many other countries, but its introduction could promote biological control of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (silverleaf whitefly) in those countries. The aim of this study was to compare two populations of A. swirskii as predators of eggs of B. tabaci of two different ages, as well as the acceptance of those populations for other food types [eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch; larvae and protonymphs of Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Troupeau) (Astigmatina: Acaridae) and cattail pollen (Typha domingensis Persoon)]. One of the populations of A. swirskii was collected in the Republic of Benin, in tropical Africa, and the other was commercially available in The Netherlands. The comparison was done to evaluate the population with better potential for practical use, and to determine food types that could be used for mass rearing the predator. Experiments were conducted at 28 ± 1 °C, 80 ± 10 % relative humidity and 12 h photophase. Both populations were able to oviposit when fed eggs of B. tabaci, but the Netherlands population showed higher oviposition rate (2.3 and 1.6 times higher on young and older eggs, respectively). Higher predation rates were observed for eggs up to 24 h of age in comparison with older eggs. Aleuroglyphus ovatus proved to be a promising prey for possible mass rearing of this predator in Brazil, where that astigmatic mite is found naturally when pollen was used as food, no significant difference was observed for oviposition rate between populations. The results suggested a higher potential of the Netherlands population of A. swirskii for the control of B. tabaci biotype B in this country for augmentative biological control, with the possible use of A. ovatus as food for the mass production and pollen of T. domingensis as a food supplement for this predator in practical field releases.

Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Fenpyroximate to Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Knowledge about the effects of pesticides on biological control agents is required in order to successfully implement integrated pest management programs. The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot has been used to control thrips, whiteflies, and broad mites in vegetable production; however, effects of fenpyroximate, an acaricide and insecticide used in vegetable crops, on A. swirskii have not been evaluated. The effect of four residual concentrations of fenpyroximate on A. swirskii females was measured under laboratory conditions including its effect on their fecundity and larval survival. Fresh residues of fenpyroximate were significantly toxic to adult females and larvae. Mortality increased and fecundity decreased as the concentration (0.026-0.208 ml/50 ml of water) and time after treatment (24-120 h) increased. Fifty percent of the larvae survived on the two lower concentrations (0.026 and 0.052 ml/50 ml of water) after 120 h.

Multiple natural enemies do not improve two spotted spider mite and flower western thrips control in strawberry tunnels

Biological control techniques are commonly used in many horticultural crops in Spain, however the application of these techniques to Spanish strawberries are relatively recent. In this study the effectiveness of augmentative biological control techniques to control the two main strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duchesne) pest: the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), through releases of the predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), and Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) were tested. Two-year results on the performance of treatments using combinations of these biocontrol agents are presented. In both years, all treatments resulted in the reduction of TSSM numbers; but no treatment was better than the release of P. persimilis alone (P < 0.05). TSSM suppression varied among crop phases being greater early in the season. None of the treatments reduced significantly WFT numbers (P < 0.05), and the established economic injury level (EIL) was surpassed from March to late April in both years. However, EIL was surpassed less times when treatment included O. laevigatus (2009: 20.7%; 2010: 22.7% of samples). No effect of A. swirskii was observed when this mite was released. Results corroborate that biological control techniques for TSSM and WFT are feasible for high-plastic tunnel strawberries. Under the conditions in our study no additive effects were observed, and there was not advantage in the release of multiple natural enemies.

Effect of a plant fortifier (Boundary) on pests and predators of greenhouse vegetable crops

Boundary, a plant fortifier composed of extracts of Sophora flavescens Aiton and brown algae, was tested for control of the leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) on tomato (three trials) and of the red spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch on eggplant (one trial) and for side effects on the whitefly predator Macrolophus pygmaeus (Kambur) (two trials) on tomato and on the thrips predators Orius laevigatus (Fieber) and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (two trials) on pepper, all in cold greenhouses in South Italy. Control rates for T. absoluta were moderate (40–70%) in the autumn crop but very high and comparable to those for emamectin benzoate in the spring crops (96–100%). Boundary compared well with abamectin against T. urticae, with near complete control. M. pygmaeus was moderately injured in late autumn, but not in early autumn. At the tested application rate and predator population density Boundary was safe for O. laevigatus and A. swirskii.

Can the predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii and Amblyseius eharai reproduce by feeding solely upon conspecific or heterospecific eggs (Acari: Phytoseiidae)?

The phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) is an exotic biological control agent of mites and small insect pests in China. Amblyseius eharai (Amitai & Swirski), on the other hand, is a native predacious mite common throughout East and South-East Asia and considered to be an important natural enemy of Panonychus citri (McGregor). Understanding the ways introduced predators affect native ones is vital if we wish to use the former as biological control agents in the field. In order to evaluate the interactions between these two predacious mites, we observed their life histories when they cannibalized or fed upon intraguild prey under laboratory conditions. Both male and female A. eharai and A. swirskii could develop to adulthood by feeding upon both conspecific and heterospecific (IGP) eggs. However, A. swirskii females supplied with IGP eggs had shorter developmental durations, higher fecundity, and higher intrinsic rates of increase (rm) than those supplied with conspecific eggs. On the other hand, A. eharai females supplied with conspecific eggs had higher rm than those supplied with heterospecific eggs, suggesting that A. eharai females may prefer to prey upon conspecific immatures, even when A. swirskii immature stages are present. As a result, A. swirskii females may decrease A. eharai populations, when extra-guild prey species, such as spider mites, and pollen are scarce.

Amblyseius swirskii in greenhouse production systems: a floricultural perspective

The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot is a biological control agent that has the potential to play an important role in pest management in many greenhouse crops. Most research on this predatory mite has focused on its use and efficacy in greenhouse vegetables. However, an increasing number of growers of greenhouse ornamental crops also want to adopt biological control as their primary pest management strategy and find that biological control programs developed for vegetables are not optimized for use on floricultural plants. This paper reviews the use of A. swirskii in greenhouse crops, where possible highlighting the specific challenges and characteristics of ornamentals. The effects of different factors within the production system are described from the insect/mite and plant level up to the production level, including growing practices and environmental conditions. Finally, the use of A. swirskii within an integrated pest management system is discussed.

Seasonal climatic variations influence the efficacy of predatory mites used for control of western flower thrips in greenhouse ornamental crops.

The influence of seasonal greenhouse climate on the efficacy of predatory mites for thrips control was determined for potted chrysanthemum. Trials in controlled environment chambers, small-scale greenhouses and commercial greenhouses were conducted to determine which biological control agent-that is, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot or Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans)-is more efficacious for control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in different seasons. Under simulated summer conditions, no differences were observed in the predation and oviposition rates of both predatory mites in the laboratory trials. However, small-scale greenhouse trials showed that A. swirskii performed better than N. cucumeris in summer (i.e., more efficacious thrips control, higher predator abundance and less overall damage to the crop). Under simulated winter conditions, laboratory trials demonstrated variable differences in predation rates of the two predatory mites. The small-scale greenhouse trials in winter showed no differences in thrips control and predatory mite abundance between the two predatory mites, but plants with A. swirskii had less damage overall. The results from the small-scale trials were validated and confirmed in commercial greenhouse trials. Overall, A. swirskii performed better in the summer and equally good or better (less damage overall) under winter conditions, whereas N. cucumeris is a more cost effective biological control agent for winter months.

Sublethal effects of fenazaquin on life table parameters of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

Knowledge of the impact of acaricides on predatory mites is crucial for integrated pest management programs. The present study evaluated the sublethal effect of fenazaquin (Pride(®) 20% SC, Behavar, Iran) on life table parameters of the subsequent generation of the predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch under laboratory conditions [26±1°C, 70±3% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h]. The sublethal concentrations including LC10, LC20 and LC30 were determined using a dose-effect assay. The total development time of both sexes enhanced with an increase in concentration. The oviposition period and total fecundity decreased in dose-dependent manner. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) significantly descended with concentration enhancing from LC10 to LC30, compared with the control. The net reproductive rate (R 0) ranged between 2.76 and 7.37 offspring. Overall, the results indicated that fenazaquin had negative effects on development and life table parameters of the subsequent generation of A. swirskii. In conclusion, fenazaquin is not a compatible acaricide with A. swirskii and should not be used with this predatory mite in integrated management of T. urticae.

Effect of Pollens of Various Ornamental Pepper Cultivars on the Development and Reproduction ofAmblyseius swirskii(Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The rationale behind the current study was to assess if the commercially available generalist phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), can survive and reproduce when fed on pollen from ornamental pepper (Capiscum annum L.; Solanales: Solanaceae). Results from this study will help in the selection of ornamental pepper cultivars as candidate banker plants for establishment of A. swirskii in ornamental nurseries. To determine the effect of different types of pepper pollen on survival and multiplication ability of mites; their longevity, daily rate of oviposition and total egg deposition was assessed. Amblyseius swirskii was reared on pollen collected from 4 ornamental pepper cultivars namely ‘Red Missile’, ‘Masquerade’, ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Explosive Ember’. Amblyseius swirskii was able to survive, develop and oviposit when fed with pollens of all the 4 ornamental pepper cultivars and the 2 standard controls i.e., commercially available olive pollen Olea europaea L. (Lamiales: Oleaceae) and Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). No significant differences were observed among the various diet treatments for the following biological parameters: mean duration from larvae to adult death (22.8–23.7 days), duration from larvae to eggs (11.8–12.5 days) and adult longevity (12.4–13.1 days). However, for mites fed on pollen the highest daily rate of oviposition (∼1.07 eggs/female/day) and total oviposition (∼10.23 eggs/female) was recorded on the ‘Red Missile’. Outcome of this study can boost the management strategies being used against S. dorsalis and other pest species affecting ornamental plants in Florida.

Pollen on-twine for food provisioning and oviposition of predatory mites in protected crops

The establishment of predatory mites on protected crops is affected by the availability of shelter and alternative food. We suggest that a pollen covered twine, coined here “pollen on-twine”, may provide these necessities when attached to the plant. We evaluated the effect of twine types and two pollen species on the establishment of Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot on pre-flowering pepper plants in a growth chamber. For both phytoseiids, rayon jute twine was found more beneficial while corn and oak pollen did not differ in their effect. Though populations of both predators were best promoted when twine and pollen were applied separately, E. scutalis population increased by more than tenfold and A. swirskii doubled when plants were applied with pollen on-twine. We propose that after further refining, pollen on-twine can serve as a feasible solution for predatory mite establishment on protected crops.

Biological studies of the predacious mite Amblyseius swirskii, a predator of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus on pepper plants (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Tarsonemidae)

The predatory phytoseiid mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) completed its lifespan when fed on females of the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). The development was the quickest and the number of prey consumed was highest when individuals were reared at 28 °C compared with 19 °C. The average number of eggs/female/day was 2.36 and 1.69, respectively. Life table parameters showed that the population of A. swirskii multiplied 16 and 20 times in a generation time of 22 and 18 days at 19 and 28 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.139 and 0.170 individuals/female/day, respectively.