Abstract

Eotetranychus frosti (McGregor) (Tetranychidae) is a main pest of apple and some fruit trees in Iran. The life table parameters of E. frosti on seven apple cultivars (Red, Golab Kohanz, Gala Imperial, Gala Royal, Fuji, Granny Smith and Golden) at 27±1ºC, 50±10% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) h were determined. The immature developmental times of E. frosti ranged from 6.50 days on Granny Smith to 18.31 days on Golab Kohanz. The lowest and highest survival rate for whole immature stages was 85.71% and 95.72% on Golab Kohanz and Red, respectively. Fecundity of E. frosti was affected by cultivars; varied from 60.43 eggs on Golab Kohanz to 110.19 eggs on Granny Smith. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) varied significantly among different cultivars in which the lowest value (0.119 day-1) was on Golab Kohanz and highest value (0.365 day-1) was on Granny Smith. The mean generation time (T) was shortest on Granny Smith (11.45 days) and longest on Golab Kohanz (30.09 days). According to the results, Granny Smith and Golab Kohanz were susceptible and resistant cultivars, respectively among the ones tested. The findings of this study provide new information that can be used to design a more comprehensive IPM program for this important pest.