Predatory ability of Amblyseius eharai Amitai et Swirski (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on thrips

Abstract

Seasonal patterns of Amblyseius eharai occurrence were synchronized with those of Pseudodendrothrips mori rather than those of Tetranychus kanzawai in mulberry fields. The mean predation rate per day of one A. eharai female adult on 2nd stadium P. mori nymphs was 6.3. and larger than that on T. kanzawai female adults (mean=1.2) or eggs (mean=4.3). When provided with 1st stadium P. mori nymphs and T. kanzawai female adults or eggs simultaneously, one A. eharai female adult consumed more P. mori than T. kanzawai. Further, one A. eharai female adults consumed on average 7.8 2nd stadium T. palmi nymphs. Thus, A. eharai can be a good candidate for biological control of not only spider mites but also thrips.