Selection of suitable predatory mites against, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) using relative control potential metrics and functional response

Background Selection of suitable predators for the control of the spider mite, Panonychus citri is always a challenge due to the lack of their reliable predicted efficacy. In this laboratory study, biological control potential of Neoseiulus californicus, N. cucumeris and Scapulaseius newsami, against P. citri using the Relative Control Potential (RCP) metric to compare their efficacies was evaluated. The functional response type was determined at different prey densities (after 24 h). Results The type II functional responses were observed from all the tested predators feeding on 3 different life stages of P. citri, except N. cucumeris, which was fed only on eggs. All predatory mites preferred eggs of P. citri with a higher attack rate (1.397) in N. cucumeris, followed by N. californicus (1.238) and S. newsami (0.975). Handling time was also lower in N. cucumeris than other mites, with a trend as: for N. cucumeris, eggs > adults > immature stages; for N. californicus, immature stages > eggs > adults, while for S. newsami, eggs > immature stages > adults. The integration of greenhouse abundance and fecundity (%) data resulted in a higher RCP for N. cucumeris than other predators. Conclusion Neoseiulus cucumeris was selected as the most suitable predatory mite for the control of P. citri with a higher RCP and potential to maximum reproduction. S. newsami, which was used for the first time, gave almost similar results compared to N. californicus but with lower efficacy.

Automated summary

The study found that Neoseiulus cucumeris is the most suitable predatory mite for controlling Panonychus citri, with higher attack rate and reproductive potential compared to other predators.