Optimization of rearing Transeius montdorensis under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The global application of Transeius montdorensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as a biological control agent across various protected crops has proven effective against a range of insect pests like thrips and whiteflies, as well as pest mites like broad mites and russet mites. Optimization of rearing T. montdorensis under laboratory conditions is crucial for further studies of this species to improve their application in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Here, we evaluated the development and reproduction of T. montdorensis when fed on four different diets, including cattail pollen (Typha latifolia), living dried fruit mites (Carpoglyphus lactis), frozen C. lactis eggs, and a mixed diet of frozen C. lactis eggs and T. latifolia pollen. Females consuming the mixed diet exhibited superior total fecundity and daily oviposition rate, along with the highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and net productive rate (R0) among all diets tested. The immature period was significantly longer for mites on a diet of living C. lactis compared to those on other diets. Importantly, utilizing frozen C. lactis eggs and T. latifolia pollen mitigates the risk of infestation and contamination from the living dried fruit mites, which is important for laboratory and field settings when releasing the predator colonies. Our findings not only present an optimized rearing method for predatory mites under laboratory conditions but also suggest potential broader applications for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of biological control strategies across various agroecosystems and reducing dependency on chemical pesticides.