The effect of seven pollens on life table parameters of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

In some integrated pest management programs, different pollens are used as alternative or supplementary food sources for rearing of the generalist predatory mites. The aim of this study was to determine the performance of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on pollen of seven plant species including Panicum miliaceum, Punica granatum, Eruca sativa, Chenopodium album, Chaenomeles cathayensis, Datura stramonium, Caesalpinia gilliesii as a food source. All experiments were conducted at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 65 +/- 5% RH and 16:8 h (L:D) photoperiod. Age-stage, two-sex life table method was used for data analysis to take into account the variable developmental rate among individuals as well as stage differentiation. The predatory mite was able to survive to adult and reproduce on all pollen grains tested. The shortest pre-adult period was shown on P. granatum pollen. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was between 0.162 to-0.097 day-1, which was observed on D. stramonium and P. miliaceum, respectively. The longest total lifespan of females, highest intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase (lambda) and net reproductive rate (R0) were recorded on the D. stramonium pollen, while the shortest mean generation time (T) was on the P. granatum pollen. According to the results, in the absence or shortage of the main prey in the environment, the pollen of D. stramonium can be suggested as an alternative or supplementary food for N. cucumeris.