Interaplant Distribution of the Predatory Mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its Prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Cucumber Plants under Plastic House Condition

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

1 National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt

2 Fruit Acarology Dept., Plant Protec. Res. Institute, Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate searching behavior of the predatory Phytoseiulus persimilis to allocate its prey inhabiting cucumber plants on different heights; high, medium and low in Giza governorate (latitude 30° 2'43.77"N and longitude 31°12'17.38"E). The plastic house was made of anti UV polyethylene sheet 200 mµ for all sides and covered with white shade net and planted with cucumber Barcode variety. The predator was released when leaflets were infested with the red spider mite, T. urticae at the rate of about 10 predator-individuals / plant. Predator releasing was reapplied twice; first post-count and second post-count at the same rate; 10 predator-individuals/plant at each release. The cucumber plant was divided into 3 levels (high, intermediate and low) based on the plant length. P. persimilis preferred warm and high relatively humid conditions, allocated at plant surfaces near the soil on contrast the plant surfaces far of soil. That is where the steaming rate of irrigation water provides the predator with the optimal high humidity for population increase, and reduction of the prey. In addition, the best biological control of T. urticae was achieved when multiple releases were applied. The best reduction rates were achieved starting from the third week.

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