Age‐ and temperature‐dependent oviposition model of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) with Tetranychus urticae as prey

Abstract

In this study, we developed an oviposition model of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) with Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey. To obtain data for the model, we investigated the longevity, fecundity and survivorship of adult female N. californicus at six constant temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36°C), 60–70% RH and a photoperiod of 16 : 8 (L : D) h. Longevity (average ± SE) decreased as temperature increased and was longest at 16°C (46.7 ± 5.25 days) and shortest at 36°C (12.8 ± 0.75 days). Adult developmental rate (1/average longevity) was described by the Lactin 1 model (r2 = 0.95). The oviposition period (average±SE) was also longest at 16°C (29.8 ± 2.93 days) and shortest at 36°C (6.7 ± 0.54 days). Fecundity (average±SE) was greatest at 24°C (43.8 ± 3.23 eggs) and lowest at 36°C (15.9 ± 1.50 eggs). The oviposition model comprised temperature‐dependent fecundity, age‐specific cumulative oviposition rate and age‐specific survival rate functions. The temperature‐dependent fecundity was best described by an exponential equation (r2 = 0.81). The age‐specific cumulative oviposition rate was best described by the three‐parameter Weibull function (r2 = 0.96). The age‐specific survival rate was best described by a reverse sigmoid function (r2 = 0.85).

Thermal effect on the fecundity and longevity of Bactrocera dorsalis adults and their improved oviposition model

“…sulcatus [ 35 ], 24°C for N . californicus [ 40 ], 25°C for R pedestris [ 37 ], T . basalis [ 42 ] and E .…”

“…C. sasakii [33], 20.3˚C for R. padi [45], 21˚C for O. sulcatus [35], 24˚C for N. californicus [40], 25˚C for R pedestris [37], T. basalis [42] and E. kuehniella [44], and 25.2˚C for C. medinalis [41]. Parameters, T L and T H , of the fecundity model were estimated as 16.3˚C and 35.2˚C, implying low and high temperature limitation for reproduction, respectively (Table 5).…”

“…However, there have been fewer studies on modeling adult reproduction (i.e., oviposition model) compared to modeling the immature stage's development. Several approaches exist for constructing oviposition models (OMs) for many arthropod pests based on the logical structure developed by Kim and Lee [33] such as Carposina sasakii, Tetranychus urticae, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Scotinophara lurida, Riptortus pedestris, Plutella xylostella, Neoseiulus californicus, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Trissolcus basalis, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Ephestia kuehniella and Rhopalosiphum padi [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. The OM comprises three essential temperature-dependent components: total fecundity, age-specific oviposition rate and age-specific survival rate.…”

Optimizing Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a biological control agent: mathematical models for predicting its development as a function of temperature

“…Modelling the development of a predator as a function of temperature, offers useful and precise information that is important for optimizing biological control. Moreover, knowledge of the relationship between the development and mortality of N. tenuis as a function of temperature offers valuable information for programming biofactory mass breeding for commercial purposes as has been shown with other natural enemies like Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) (Kim et al , 2013) and Stethorus punctillum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (Roy et al , 2002).…”

“…A population model of natural enemies, such as N. tenuis , could be used to optimize the timing of release and enhance their potential in suppressing important pests. Better knowledge of the population dynamics of both prey and predator would allow the development of an optimal control strategy (Kim et al , 2013). Previous studies have reported the effect of constant temperature on the life cycle parameters of N. tenuis (Sánchez et al , 2009).…”