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Optimizing cold storage of the ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia (Acari: Pyemotidae), an efficient biological control agent of stem borers.
- Source :
- Experimental & Applied Acarology; Jul2019, Vol. 78 Issue 3, p327-342, 16p
- Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Pyemotes zhonghuajia Yu, Zhang and He is a newly discovered native ectoparasitic mite that efficiently controls stem borers in China. To provide a steady and sufficient supply, extend adult lifespan and synchronize field augmentative releases of P. zhonghuajia, we determined the optimal cold storage temperature and duration by storing 1-day-old mated females at 8, 10 and 12 °C for 10–90 days with a 10-day interval in the laboratory. We then recorded mite survival during storage and monitored the post-storage reproductive performance of mites at a control temperature of 25 °C. We found that all mites survived at 10 and 12 °C for different durations, but mortality occurred when mites were stored at 8 °C for ≥ 30 days with more than 70% of mites dead when the storage duration prolonged up to 50 days. The proportion of reproductive females was higher at 10 °C but decreased with the prolonged storage duration at all test temperatures. Storage temperature had no significant effect on the pre-reproductive period and offspring sex ratio, whereas prolonged storage induced longer pre-reproductive period and lower proportion of female offspring. The reproductive period increased with increasing storage temperature and with prolonged storage up to 50 and 60 days; however, the longer reproductive period did not directly translate into greater reproductive output. We found that compared with the control, mites stored at 10 °C for up to 30 days did not significantly reduce their survival, proportion of reproductive success and number and sex ratio of offspring, suggesting that 10 °C and ≤ 30 days were the optimal cold storage temperature and duration, respectively, for post-mass production storage before the field augmentative release of P. zhonghuajia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01688162
- Volume :
- 78
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Experimental & Applied Acarology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 137419575
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-019-00386-0