Abstract

Knowledge of the impact of acaricides on predatory mites is crucial for integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The sublethal effect of propargite was assessed against the subsequent generation of treated Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory conditions [26 ± 1 ̊C, 70 ± 3 % RH and 16:8 (L:D) h]. A leaf disc bioassay was employed to assess the sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC20, and LC30) of propargite (Omite® 57% EC, MAHAN, Iran) on A. swirskii. The results revealed that sublethal concentrations of propargite significantly affected the total life span and longevity of the treated females of A. swirskii. Reproductive and total fecundity of the subsequent generation were also affected by sublethal concentrations. All concentrations caused a significant reduction in oviposition days, compared to the control. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) of A. swirskii treated with sublethal concentrations of propargite and distilled water were 0.126, 0.122, 0.115, and 0.129 d-1, respectively. Our findings revealed that propargite had no significant effect on life table parameters of treated mites in comparison to the control. Sublethal effects of propargite and its impact on A. swirskii are discussed.