Prey-stage preferences and functional and numerical responses of Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Abstract

Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is a phytophagous mite that recently invaded the Western Hemisphere. This mite is a multivoltine and gregarious species that can reach very high population densities and cause significant damage to various palm species (Arecaceae). The predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been found associated with R. indica in Florida. This study evaluated A. largoensis for potential to control R. indica by (1) determining predator preferences among developmental stages of R. indica, and (2) estimating predator functional and numerical responses to varying densities of its most preferred prey-stage. Under no-choice conditions A. largoensis consumed significantly more eggs than other stages of R. indica. In choice tests A. largoensis showed a significant preference for R. indica eggs over all other prey stages. Amblyseius largoensis displayed a type II functional response showing an increase in number of prey killed with an increase in prey population density. Consumption of prey stabilized at approximately 45 eggs/day, the level at which oviposition by the predator was maximized (2.36 ± 0.11 eggs/day; mean ± SEM). Results of this study suggest that A. largoensis can play a role in controlling R. indica populations, particularly when prey densities are low.

Amblyseius largoensis in controlling red palm mite under semi-field conditions

“…Therefore, the predator exhibits a type II functional response curve, that is, the number of attacked prey increase up to a maximum (predator satiation) and the control efficiency reduces with increasing prey densities (Holling, 1959). This suggests that A. largoensis may be more efficient at low and moderate R. indica densities, as also reported by Carrillo & Peña (2012). The maximum prey:predator rate was 402:1 and 643:1 for A. largoensis from Roraima and La Réunion, respectively.…”

“…The mite phytoseiid Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been frequently associated with this pest on coconut . However, during field evaluations in the Americas, it has been found that the native populations of A. largoensis are not sufficiently efficient to control R. indica (Carrillo & Peña, 2012;Gondim Jr. et al, 2012). Therefore, surveys have been conducted to discover prospective biological control agents in the Western Hemisphere, specifically in the Middle East and South Africa, where R. indica possibly originated (Dowling et al, 2012).…”

Effectiveness of Two Predatory Mite Species (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in ControllingDiaphorina citri(Hemiptera: Liviidae)

“…The numerical response was calculated using regression analysis with a hyperbolic model (Carrillo & Peña 2012). The hyperbolic model is described by the equation: y = ax/(b + x) where y is the daily oviposition by N. cucumeris at various prey densities x, a is the maximum daily oviposition (i.e.…”

A review of the natural enemies of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

“…In Florida, A. largoensis was the most abundant predator associated with R. indica, and the only one found continuously throughout the year. The interaction between A. largoensis and R. indica in Florida was further investigated (Carrillo et al 2010;Carrillo and Peña 2011). An initial study demonstrated that A. largoensis was able to feed, develop and reproduce on a diet consisting solely of R. indica.…”