<b>Effect of temperature on the biology of the mite predator Euseius alatus DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae)</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v31i3.466

Abstract

Euseius alatus DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most common predators of tropical fruit trees in Brazil, feeding of pollen, mites and other small arthropods. This predator presents wide distribution, occurring from Rio Grande do Sul to Ceará. This work had as objective to evaluate the effect of temperature on the development and reproduction of E. alatus, in addition to determining their thermal requirements. The study was accomplished at temperatures of 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 and 33°C; relative humidity of 70 ± 5%; and 12-h photophase. At these temperatures, the egg-adult period lasted 14.0; 8.1; 5.5; 4.9; 3.8 and 3.1 days, respectively. The egg, larva, protonymph and deutonymph stages and the egg-adult period presented thermal thresholds of 12.52; 13.85; 14.86; 14.86 and 13.31°C, and thermal constants of 22.32; 14.23; 16.23; 17.3 and 70.16 degrees days. The values for the parameters of the fertility life table, analyzed in conjunction with the values of the different variables of development at different temperatures, showed that the temperature of 30°C is the most suitable for development and reproduction of E. alatus in the laboratory. Therefore, is it apparent that the best temperature conditions for the development of E. alatus are found in the warmer regions of Brazil, such as those observed in northeastern Brazil.