Differences in biological characteristics in organophosphorus-resistant strains of the phytoseiid mite Typhlodromus pyri

Strains of Typhlodromus pyri were collected from orchards in SW England, where populations differed in their response to organophosphorus insecticides compared with strains collected in the SE. Biological characteristics of these strains were compared with those in OP-resistant strains collected from the SE and OP- susceptible strains. There were significant differences in size of eggs and adult mites from the different strains, but these differences did not appear to be related to resistance status of the mites. Female OP-susceptible mites had a longer development time than other strains. Over all strains total development time for female mites was 0.8 day less than for males. There were significant differences between strains for pre-oviposition period, but not oviposition or post-oviposition periods. There were significant differences in total numbers of eggs produced between strains, with a standard OP-resistant strain producing the most and an OP-susceptible strain the fewest eggs. There were significant differences in male longevity between strains, but this did not appear to be related to resistance status. This study highlights the fact that strains may differ in biological characteristics that contribute to fitness regardless of their pesticide resistance status.