Effect of low lethal concentrations of Eforia on biological parameters of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii

The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most important pests of many crops worldwide. Combined tactics for pest management have a significant special effect on reducing pesticide use and maintaining the activity of natural enemies, which is the main objective of IPM programs. The effect of low-lethal concentrations of Eforia (24.7 SC, Syngenta Co.) at LC5, LC15, and LC25 were investigated on biological parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under laboratory condition at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L: D) h. The data were analyzed based on a two-sex life table procedure. The results showed that Eforia caused a significant reduction in fecundity (Control: 37.17; LC25: 23.04 eggs/female) and total life span (Control: 42.67 days; LC25: 24.65 days). The net reproductive rate (R0) was 22.31, 20.12, 15.14, and 14.98 eggs/individual, respectively, at control, LC5, LC15, and LC25. The maximum and minimum values for the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were recorded to be 0.17 (Control, LC5, and LC25) and 0.15 (LC15) day-1 for the treated mites. Based on the results, the application of low lethal concentrations of Eforia harms some biological parameters of this predatory mite, and the results of this study showed that Eforia may not be applied for the control of T. urticae pest together with A. swirskii.