Predatory efficacy of three predatory mites against Megalurothrips usitatus

Abstract

Abstract Megalurothrips usitatus is a major insect pest of leguminous crops in southern China which causes great economic losses every year. Predatory mites are well known insect natural enemies which have been applied to control different insect pests including thrips species. The functional response and intraspecific interference of one native predatory mite species (Lasioseius youcefi) and two exotic species (Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius cucumeris Oudemans) feeding on first instar nymph of M. usitatus were examined under laboratory conditions to identify the control potential of above-mentioned mite species. The results showed that the functional responses of the three predatory mites against M. usitatus fitted to Holling-Ⅱ equation. The extent of predation gradually stabilized with increasing prey densities. L. youcefi was the strongest predator with highest searching efficiency whereas A. cucumeris was the weakest. At fixed M. usitatus density, the average predation of all mite species decreased gradually with the increase of their density showing an intraspecific interference. The findings of our study confirmed that native species of L. youcefi has certain advantages and higher control potential over other predatory mites for M. usitatus management.