Effect of host preference and micro habitats on the survival of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: Control of pests is essential to save the loss of economically important plants. Biological and environmental control became the most important interventions of choice. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is a herbivorous mite which is considered to be a harmful pest. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of host preference on the survival and distribution of Tetranychus urticae. Methods: Specimens of T. urtica were collected from Solanum melongena plants grown at Al Qaseem University. Eggs were transferred individually to the bottom surface of leaves of certain plants namely: Phasoelus vulgaris (beans), Solanum melongena (eggplant), Fragaria ananasa (Strawberry), Citrus sinensis (Orange), and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) and reared on those plants under optimum conditions. The effect of climatic conditions and the type of the plant host on the survival of mature and immature stages of T. urtica has been observed. Results: The total growth period length of the immature stage of the male mites was found to be shorter than the growth period of the female immature stages. The peak of this period was recorded in Citrus sinensis followed by Cucumis sativus then Solanum melongena, Phasoelus vulgaris, and Fragaria ananasa. Conclusion: These results may lead to the screening process of comparatively resistant herbal species to be used in the management of T. urticae.