Effects of different photoperiods on the development and population parameters of Neoseiulus bicaudus Wainstein
Author of the article:ZHANG Yan-Nan** LI Yong-Tao JIANG Jue-Ying-Qi SU Jie GUO Dan-Dan ZHANG Jian-Ping*
Author's Workplace:College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Key Words:photoperiods, predatory mites, spider mite, development, life parameters
Abstract:
To study the development and reproduction of N. bicaudus. [Methods] The effects of different photoperiods on the development and reproduction of N. bicaudus feeding on T. turkestani, were measured and compared. [Results] N. bicaudus successfully completed its development under all five photoperiods. Developmental duration decreased under photoperiods < 12 h, but increased under photoperiods > 16 h. The oviposition period (20.74 d) was significantly longer under a photoperiod of 12 h (P<0.05). The post-oviposition period, life span and total fecundity were longest under a photoperiod of 16L︰8D (11.93 d, 31.05 d and 42.4 eggs/female, respectively). Photoperiod had no significant effect on the offspring sex ratio. The net reproductive rate (R0) was highest (33.88) under a photoperiod of 16L︰8D, and shortest (14.97) under one of 8L︰16D. [Conclusion] The optimum photoperiod for the development and reproduction of N. bicaudus preying on T. turkestani are between 12 and 16 h.