How to translate text using browser tools
30 July 2018 Functional response of the predaceous mites Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius concordis when feeding on eggs of the cashew tree giant whitefly Aleurodicus cocois
J.P. De Alfaia, L.L. Melo, N.V. Monteiro, D.B. Lima, J.W.S. Melo
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The giant whitefly, Aleurodicus cocois, is one of the main pests of cashew trees around the world. In the present study we evaluated the biological potential of the predaceous mites Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius concordis against A. cocois. The consumption and functional responses to prey egg densities of A. largoensis and E. concordis were investigated in laboratory experiments. Logistic regression indicated that both predators exhibited a type II response to prey eggs, and the eggs consumption increased with egg density up to a maximum, after which it slowly decreased. The value of the attack rate (a′) was higher for A. largoensis than that for E. concordis, but the handling time (Th) did not differ between the two predators. The predicted maximum daily consumption was 35 eggs for A. largoensis and 32 eggs for E. concordis. Our results indicate that A. largoensis and E. concordis could be effective biocontrol agents of the cashew tree giant whitefly, especially in conditions of low pest population density.

© Systematic & Applied Acarology Society
J.P. De Alfaia, L.L. Melo, N.V. Monteiro, D.B. Lima, and J.W.S. Melo "Functional response of the predaceous mites Amblyseius largoensis and Euseius concordis when feeding on eggs of the cashew tree giant whitefly Aleurodicus cocois," Systematic and Applied Acarology 23(8), 1559-1566, (30 July 2018). https://doi.org/10.11158/saa.23.8.6
Received: 30 June 2018; Accepted: 17 July 2018; Published: 30 July 2018
KEYWORDS
Anacardium occidentale
biological control
cashew
Phytoseiidae
predation
predatory mites
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top