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Abstract
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The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot is one of the most common biological-control agent of different mites and insect pests, such as two-spotted spider mite and greenhouse whitefly. To evaluate A. swirskii potential role in controlling three pest species, the present survey investigated the life history of this predatory mitewhen fed on eggs of Tetranychus urticae, Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Carpoglyphus lactis under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D). Results showed that the predator mite is able to feed and complete its development on the above mentioned pest species. The predator displays particularly high capacity for population growth when fed on T. urticae and C. lactis, therefore it be able to provide an effective control of these pests in the gardens and the greenhouses. When T. vaporariorum was fed, significantly, increase in development and pre-oviposition times, and a reduction in oviposition period and fecundity were observed. In addition, the estimated life table parameters of A. swirskii including r, λ and R0 significantly descended when the predator fed on the whitefly. Our results showed that this predatory mite has an effective ability as an effective biological control agent for T. urticae, C. lactis and T. vaporariorum in greenhouse.
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