Effect of different strawberry cultivars on the development and fecundity of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) , with special reference to their chemical contents
Elsawi, S.A.
Annals of Agricultural Science Cairo 51(1): 295-302
2006
Accession: 012781206
The influence of four strawberry cultivars on the developmental stages and fecundity of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, was investigated by rearing the mite on leaves of gaviota, carls-bad, camarosa and sweet- charlie. Relation between some chemical contents in cultivar leaves (total phenols, amino acids and total sugars) and biological aspects of the mite was evaluated. Durations of immature stages and life cycle prolonged on camarosa and sweet- charlie, while they were shortened on gaviota and carts- bad. The total number of deposited eggs/ female increased about 12 times on gaviota compared to that on camarosa. On the other hand, gaviota and carls-bad contained higher concentrations of total sugars and lower concentrations of phenols and amino-acids, while the reverse took place with camarosa and sweet- charlie. Gaviota was the most preferable and susceptible cultivar for the mite infestation, while camarosa cultivar appeared to be the least. Host plant is a very important factor in attractiveness, development and multiplication of T. urticae.