Predicting the Occurrence and Risk Damage Caused by the Two-Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch) in Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Combining Rate and Heat Summation Models for Digital Decisions Support

Abstract

In this work, we use developmental rate models to predict egg laying activity and succession of generations of T. urticae populations under field conditions in the Prespa lakes region in Northern Greece. Moreover, the developmental rate model predictions are related to accumulated heat summations to be compared with actual bean damage and to generate pest-specific degree-day risk thresholds. The oviposition was predicted to start at 57.7 DD, while the first peak in egg laying was estimated to be at 141.8 DD. The second and third peak in egg production were predicted to occur at 321.1 and 470.5 DD, respectively. At the degree-day risk threshold, half development of the first summer generation was estimated at 187 DD and 234 DDm while for the second, it was estimated at 505 DD and 547 DD for 2021 and 2022, respectively. According to the model predictions, no significant differences were observed in the mean generation time (total egg to adult development) of T. urticae between the two observation years (t = 0.01, df = 15, p = 0.992). The total generation time was estimated at 249.3 (±7.7) and 249.2 (±6.7), for 2021 and 2022, respectively. The current models will contribute towards predictions of the seasonal occurrence and oviposition of T. urticae to be used in pest management decision-making. Moreover, the development of population model is a prerequisite for the buildup and implementation of smart plant protection solutions.