FECUNDITY AND EGG HATCHABILITY OF TWOSPOTTED SPIDER MITE, TETRANYCHUS URTICAE KOCH (ACARI: TETRANYCHIDAE) REARED ON NINE SOYBEAN GENOTYPES1

Abstract

Nine genotypes of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, were tested for their effect on fecundity and egg hatchability of twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Fecundity of both virgin and mated females was significantly affected by soybean genotypes and by the mites' mating status. The cultivar ‘Tracy M’ demonstrated antibiosis to T. urticae by reducing egg production. Plant Introduction 227687, which has demonstrated resistance to soybean insects, did not inhibit egg production by mites. DSR 352 and PI 227687 were the most susceptible genotypes in the study. Mated females laid more eggs than virgin females. Hatchability of eggs was not affected by soybean genotype or mating status.