Demographic analysis of fenpyroximate and thiacloprid exposed predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

PLoS One. 2018 Nov 15;13(11):e0206030. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206030. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Knowledge of the impact of pesticides on predators is crucial for developing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a predatory mite used to control several species of pest including Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and arthropods. T. urticae is a major pest of multiple greenhouse-grown and field crops including apples in Iran. Lethal and sublethal effects of fenpyroximate and thiacloprid were investigated on A. swirskii, using these chemicals separately at recommended rates or in combination at reduced rates. Recommended tested rates of both pesticides negatively influenced the biological parameters of A. swirskii such as the net reproductive rate (R0) and the intrinsic rate of increase (r). However, the combined treatment of the two pesticides at their reduced rates was less hazardous to A. swirskii. Our findings indicate that the combined use of these chemicals may be compatible with IPM programs utilizing A. swirskii as biological control tool against phytophagous mites and other pests. However, semifield and field studies to investigate the effects of reduced rate treatments of fenpyroximate and thiacloprid alone and in combination on T. urticae and A. swirskii are required for developing IPM programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzoates / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Mites / drug effects
  • Neonicotinoids / chemistry*
  • Pest Control, Biological*
  • Pesticides / chemistry
  • Predatory Behavior / drug effects
  • Pyrazoles / chemistry*
  • Reproduction / drug effects*
  • Thiazines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Neonicotinoids
  • Pesticides
  • Pyrazoles
  • Thiazines
  • fenpyroximate
  • thiacloprid

Grants and funding

This work was funded by Urmia Unversity and the funder had no role in the design of the study, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.