Submitted to: Biopesticides International
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 27, 2008
Publication Date: September 11, 2008
Citation: Rojas, M.G., Morales Ramos, J.A. 2008. Phytoseilus persimilis (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) Feeding on Extrafloral Nectar: Reproductive Impact of Sugar Sources in Presence of Prey. Biopesticides International. 4(1): 1-5 (2008). Interpretive Summary: The two spotted spider mite is a major pest of at least 150 economically important plants. Predatory mites are produced and sold in the hundreds of millions per year for use in pest management of this pest. Predatory mites were found to survive better in the presence of nectar produced by the plant. This is important because it will enable growers to increase the effectiveness of the predatory mites by either planting varieties that produce nectar or by spraying sugary solutions on the plants prior to predatory mite releases.
Technical Abstract: Laboratory observations revealed that all life stages of Phytoseiulus persimilis are capable of feeding on extra floral nectaries of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus). The impact of a sugary source of nutrition on survival and development of P. persimilis was studied. A significantly higher number of mites remained alive at the end of the study in the groups provided with honey and a significantly higher proportion of surviving mites completed adult development in groups provided with honey. These results show that providing a source of sugars significantly increases survival and speeds development of P. persimilis.