Influence of temperature and host plants on the development and fecundity of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acarina: Tetranychidae)
Praslicka, J.; Huszar, J.
Plant Protection Science 40(4): 141-144
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1212-2580
Accession: 004205328
Temperature plays a key role in the time needed for development of Tetranychus urticae. It developed fastest at 35[degree]C (6.50 d) and 30[degree]C (6.93 d), while at 15[degree]C it took 16.23 d. The higher the temperature, the faster the development of the mite. As to host plants involved, T urticae developed fastest on Phaseolus vulgaris (9.42 d), followed by Cucumis sativus (10.26 d) and Capsicum annuum (10.92 d). Fecundity was highest at a temperature of 30[degree]C (89.1 eggs), and lowest at 15[degree]C (58.6 eggs). The fecundity of female mites increased with temperatures up to 30[degree]C, but at 35[degree]C it had decreased (71.08 eggs). The host plant influenced female fecundity to a limited extent; the average on Phaseolus vulgaris was 79.28 eggs, 71.48 on Capsicum annuum and 71.22 on Cucumis sativus.