Are there any reports of such occurrences? I have been evaluating the population dynamics of both phytoseiid mites and spider mites and have observed that at one particular time of the study when spider mites numbers are low, the generalist phytoseiid mites still peak at substantial numbers. I have been wondering if the generalist phytoseiid mites could be utilizing plant materials. Any help or recommendation of reports/papers would be really appreciated.
Dear David,
I herewith attach you two studies show that phytoseiid mites make use from plant materials that enhances their performance. First, check this link (http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EN10276) as I haven't access to this now.
Regards...Islam
Dear David
I have studied the population dynamics of Tetranychus turkestani and Phytoseius tropicalis in south-west of Iran some years ago for two years and I observed the feeding of phytoseiid mites on some trichomes some liquid on the leaves of aubergin. In Oct. and Nov. the density of Tetranychus turkestani was very low but Phytosius tropicalis was high (about 55-60 per leaf).
Hello Alireza
Thats an interesting finding, so by those observations, am assuming phytoseiid mites do utilize plant materials like leaves or trichomes as per your observation.
Dear David,
The observation that phytoseiids fed accidentally on trichomes and liquids (which might have contained sugars) does not mean they feed regularly on them. The quantity of these items, the frequency of feeding and the mites’ ability of surviving using these resources which matter.
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Ecology