An experimental setup suitable for the rearing and observation of predatory mites
Author of the article:HUANG Jian-Hua1** WANG Li-Si2 QIN Wen-Jing2 LI Kuai-Sheng3 YU Peng3 QIN Hou-Guo1***
Author's Workplace：1. Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China; 2. Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China; 3. Nancheng County Bureau of Agriculture, Nancheng 344700, China
Key Words：predatory mites, setup, Proprioseiopsis asetus, escape, development, fecundity
Abstract： [Objectives] To prevent mites escaping from the rearing platform a new setup for rearing and observing predatory mites in the laboratory was designed. [Methods] We compared the efficiency of the improved method with that of the traditional water-barrier rearing setup. In addition, the effect of the new rearing method on the development and reproduction of the mites was evaluated. [Results] The improved setup, which consisted of a medicine bottle capsule, cotton thread and glass cover, effectively prevented mites escaping (3.3 percent loss rate), but had no significant effect on development and fecundity compared to the traditional water-barrier rearing method. [Conclusion] We suggest that the improved setup be adopted for future research on the biology, ecology and pesticide resistance of predatory mites.