Some effects of pre-release host-plant on the biological control of Panonychus ulmi by the predatory mite Amblyseius fallacis.

摘要: Amblyseius fallacis Garman has been selected for pyrethroid resistance and mass reared experimental release as a biological control agent tetranychid mites on number of crops in Canada. Several releases this predator onto apple peach trees have failed to result the establishment A. fallacis, or Panonychus ulmi Koch. Here, we test hypothesis that change host-plant at time is critical factor P. ulmi. Functional numerical response studies were undertaken two populations fallacis: wild strain collected from canopy foliage an orchard near Vineland, Ontario; second bean plants commercial insectary with Tetranychus urticae prey. Each population consumed significantly more produced eggs when leaf disks plant species they on, than novel host plant. A further experiment was conducted determine if mass-reared could be affected by rearing short term leaves prior trees. Three treatments made into potted glasshouse, using predators commercially T. urticae: released directly; laboratory four weeks urticae; weeks. They compared treatment lacking release. Contrary results functional studies, no difference observed between treatments. All adding resulted similar, limited, degree These indicated there may short-term effects ulmi, which our study initial reduction predatory response. However, test, appeared overcome these successfully established new