Life history parameters of Phytoseius plumifer (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on corn pollen

Abstract

The life table parameters of the predatory mite, Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on corn pollen (Zea mays L. var. 704) were determined at 27 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). The gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) of P. plumifer were 6.23 female offspring, 4.40 female offspring, 0.112 day-1, 1.118 day-1, 12.99 days and 6.18 days, respectively. Compared to spider mite prey, corn pollen, as the only food source, increased the juvenile developmental time and decreased the longevity and fecundity of adult females of P. plumifer considerably, although the predators could develop and reproduce successfully. © Khodayari S. et al.