The role of host plant resistance as a critical factor for the management of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)is a significant pest of strawberries, both in greenhouse and field conditions. Research was conducted to evaluate the impact of seven different strawberry cultivars (Albion, Gaviota, Camarosa, Paros, Ventana, Sabrina, and Selva) on the life history of TSSM under laboratory conditions at 25±1 °C, 65±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8(L:D). The results showed that the pre-adult duration varied significantly from 8.95 to 9.92 days, whereAlbion and Gaviota had the longest (9.69 and 9.92 days, respectively),while Ventana had the shortest duration (8.59 days). Female longevity was longer on Albion compared to other cultivars, but there was no significant difference among the other cultivars tested. The highest fecundity was observed on Sabrina and Gaviota (113 and 108 eggs/female, respectively), while the lowest was recorded on Paros (67.97 eggs/female). TSSM had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) (0.265 d−1and 1.304 d−1, respectively) on Sabrina, while on Albion had the lowest ones (0.230 d−1and 1.259 d−1, respectively).The results indicated that TSSM preferred Sabrina, while Albion was less favorable for this phytophagous mite. This information can be useful for designing an integrated pest management programs to control the TSSM population.