Experimental studies on predation: Predation and cyclamen-mite populations on strawberries in California

Abstract

THIS PAPER has a twofold purpose: first, to present the results of field experiments in the use of predation to control a mite attacking strawberries in California, experiments which we hope will be a step toward filling the increasingly acute need to reach a balance between chemical and biological means of pest control; and second, but not least, to discuss the implication of the results for theories of population dynamics, particulary the role of predation.The integration of two such distinct objectives may at times appear forced, for the discussion of population dynamics leads us far afield from the immediate problem; but both ecologists and entomologists may gain from such an attempt to bridge the gap between pure and applied ecology. Furthermore, details of the experiments and their setting are necessary to an understanding of the bearing of the results on theory. EXPERIMENTS WITH PREDATORY TYPHLODROMUSThe work here reported is an experimental study of predation under field conditions. This study is the result of an attempt to develop a practical program for control of the cyclamen mite, Tarsonemus pallidus Banks, in straw.. berry fields in this state, by use of a native predatory mite, Typhlodromus cucumeris Oudemans, or Typhlodromus reticulatus Oudemans, or both.' The exploratory greenhouse experiments were conducted at Albany, the field experiments in the Santa Clara Valley.

Influence of prey availability on reproduction and prey consumption ofPhytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius californicusandMetaseiulus occidentalis(Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

“…A number of authors have recognized the value of predaceous mites of the family Phytoseiidae in controlling phytophagus mites in general (Parrot et al, 1906;Garman, 1948;Smith and Summers, 1949;Huffaker and Spitzer, 1951;Huffaker and Kennett, 1956), and mites of the family Tetranychidae in particular (Collyer, 1964, Oatman andMcMurtry, 1966;Flaherty, 1967;Oatman et aL, 1968). Phytoseiid mites have been shown to be effective in controlling tetranychids in a variety of situations, most notably those in greenhouses (Chant, 1961;Hussey and Parr, 1965;Gould et aL, 1969;Dixon, 1973;Markkula and Tiitanen, 1976), strawberry (Oatman, 1965;Oatman and McMurtry, 1966;Oatman et al, 1968), and deciduous fruit (Putman and Herne, 1964;1966).…”

Insect population responses to environmental stress and pollutants

“…For example, the following pests have reached outbreak levels in cotton and apple crops following the destruction of their natural enemies by pesticides: in cotton: cotton bollworm, tobacco budworm, cotton aphid, spider mites, and cotton loopers (Adkisson 1977; OTA 1979); in apple: European red mite, redbanded leafroller, San Jose scale, oystershell scale, rosy apple aphid, woolly apple aphid, white apple aphid, twospotted spider mite, and apple rust mite (Tabashnik and Croft 1985;Messing et al 1989;Croft 1990;Kovach and Agnello 199 1). Significant pest outbreaks have also occurred in other crops (Huffaker and Kennett 1956;Huffaker 1977;OTA 1979;Croft 1990;Pimentel 199 1 ). Peach aphid populations on potato greatly increased, for various reasons, when carbaryl was applied to potatoes (Ferguson and Chapman 1993).…”

Efficiency against the Two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and prey-age-related choice of three predatory mites

“…Predatory mites have been used against phytophagous spider mites for 60 years (Huffaker & Spitzer 1951, Huffaker & Kennett 1956, Fleschner 1959, Bravenboer & Dosse 1962. Using specialist natural enemies as biocontrol agents was considered the most successful method for several decades (Doutt & DeBach 1964, Parrella et al 1999, Symondson et al 2002.…”