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Effects of lime sulfur on Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus macropilis , two naturally occurring enemies of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae
Author(s) -
Vacacela Ajila Henry E,
Oliveira Eugênio E,
Lemos Felipe,
Haddi Khalid,
Colares Felipe,
Marques Gonçalves Pedro H,
Venzon Madelaine,
Pallini Angelo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5608
Subject(s) - tetranychus urticae , phytoseiidae , biology , spider mite , mite , lime , fecundity , toxicology , acari , horticulture , botany , pest analysis , predation , ecology , predator , population , paleontology , demography , sociology
BACKGROUND The application of lime sulfur is a common practice used to control arthropod pests in organic production of fruits. However, the unintended effects of this insecticide preparation on non‐targeted organisms have not received the adequate attention. Here, we evaluated the lime sulfur toxicity on the phytophagous mites Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and on two predatory mite species [i.e., Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks)] (Acari: Phytoseiidae) of natural occurrence in strawberry plants. We also assessed the repellency and potential effects on the oviposition rates and the egg viability of mites that were exposed to field‐used lime sulfur concentrations (i.e., 2%). RESULTS The lime sulfur exhibited higher toxicity to the predators N. californicus (LC 50 = 5.4 [4.5%–6.8%]) and P. macropilis (LC 50 = 5.0 [4.0%–6.5%]) than to the phytophagous T. urticae (LC 50 = 12.4 [9.0%–17.1%]). However, the exposure to field‐applied concentrations resulted in higher reductions on the oviposition rate of T. urticae (36%) than on the predatory mites ( N. californicus = 18%. P. macropilis = 19%). Interestingly, although the egg viability of P. macropilis was less affected (i.e., reduction of 50%) by such lime sulfur exposures, these mites were unable to avoid lime sulfur‐treated areas. Egg viability of N. californicus was only 18.6%. CONCLUSION Lime sulfur at field‐applied concentrations harmed T. urticae fecundity and fertility and it showed selectivity against naturally occurring predatory mites, which reinforces its potential as a tool for integrated mite pest management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry