Biology and Life Table Parameters of the Date Palm Dust Mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) as affected by Host and Controlled conditions

Document Type : Original research articles

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Fruit Acarology Dept., PPRI, Agric. Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Developmental times and reproduction rates of the date palm dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McG.) were studied on three different date Palm tree parts (i.e. kamry fruit stage (characterized by the green color of fruits), yellow khelal stage and inner frond) of Khalas variety at laboratory conditions of 15, 25 & 35 ± 2°C; 30 & 70 ± 5% R.H. and 16:8 L:D. The mite failed to develop at 15°C. Immatures developmental time was fastest on kamry stage (10.60 days) followed by yellow khelal (12.35 days) then inner fronds (12.71 days). Adult female longevity averaged 15.08, 14.62 and 13.83 days on kamry and khelal yellow stages and inner frond, respectively. The shortest generation time was 9.5, 11.32 and 16.04 days at 35°C & 30% R.H., while the longest was 22.74, 26.74 and 26.68 days at 25°C & 70% R.H. on kamry, yellow khelal stage and inner frond; respectively. Sex ratio was affected by temperature as proportion of females increased with temperature increase. In addition, the values of rm, R0 and λ increased with temperature increase and decreased with R.H. increase. The mean generation time (T) and generation doubling time (DT) values decreased with temperature increase and R.H. decrease; thus the reproduction of mite increase. This mite favored high temperature and low R.H. Also immature date (kamry stage) was the favorable followed by yellow khelal then inner frond.

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