The phytoseiid mitePhytoseius plumifer as a predator of the eriophyid miteAceria ficus [Acarina]

Abstract

The effects of the eriophyid miteAceria ficus Cotte, the tetranychid miteTetranychus arabicus Attiah and castor-oil pollen on the development and fecundity of the phytoseiid predatorPhytoseius plumifer (C. & F.) were studied. The feeding capacity of all developmental stages ofP. plumifer onA. ficus was also considered. A. ficus was noted to be the more preferable prey to the predator rather thanT. arabicus. Pollen promoted a marked suppression in the predator's reproduction.