Biological parameters and population development of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae) on different pepper cultivars

Abstract

Pepper cultivar preferences of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae) were determined by comparing its development, survival, oviposition, life table parameters and population development under controlled laboratory conditions with a 16L:8D photoperiod at 27±1°C and 65±5% RH in Bursa (Turkey) during 2015-2016. Based on assays performed on leaf discs of six pepper cvs BT-Ince Sivri, BT-Burdem, BT-Burkalem, AHCRIÇarliston, AHCRI-Yaglik and AHCRI-Kandil Dolma, there were significant differences in egg hatch, juvenile development duration, intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), net reproductive rate (Ro) and mean generation time (T) of the mite. The study showed that the life table parameters, rm (0.16-0.24), Ro (10.99-35.19) and T (14.22-16.39) for T. urticae were different when it was fed on different pepper cultivars. Significantly lower life table parameter values (rm, Ro and T) for T. urticae were observed on cv. BT-Ince Sivri, followed by cvs BT-Burdem and BT-Burkalem. Additionally, the mite densities on pepper seedlings of these three cultivars were significantly lower compared with those on seedlings of cvs AHCRI-Çarliston, AHCRI-Yaglik and AHCRI-Kandil Dolma. Furthermore, a lower survival rate was observed during juvenile development on cv. BT-Ince Sivri. Among the pepper cultivars, cv. BT-Ince Sivri had the lowest life table parameter values. Thus, the findings suggest that cvs AHCRI-Çarliston, AHCRI-Yaglik and AHCRI-Kandil Dolma are more susceptible to T. urticae than cvs Bursa BT-Ince Sivri, BT-Burdem and BT-Burkalem.