Influence of Host Plant Cultivar on Biology and Population Growth Parameters of Tetranychus urticae on Strawberry

Abstract

Strawberry is an economically important horticultural crop that is highly susceptible to infestation by the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), which causes significant yield losses through leaf chlorosis, reduced photosynthetic activity, and overall plant stress. The performance and population dynamics of T. urticae are strongly influenced by host plant characteristics, particularly cultivar-specific traits such as leaf morphology, nutritional content, and secondary metabolites. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different strawberry cultivars on the biology and population growth parameters of T. urticae. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out using selected strawberry cultivars under controlled environmental conditions. Key life history traits including developmental duration, fecundity, survival rate, longevity, and intrinsic rate of population increase were recorded on each cultivar. Population growth parameters were analyzed to determine host suitability and relative resistance levels among cultivars. The results demonstrated significant variation in the biological performance of T. urticae across different strawberry cultivars. Certain cultivars supported faster development, higher fecundity, and increased survival rates, indicating greater susceptibility to mite infestation, while others exhibited reduced population growth and extended developmental periods, suggesting partial resistance. These differences were attributed to variations in leaf biochemical composition and physical traits among cultivars. The findings indicate that host plant cultivar plays a critical role in regulating the population dynamics of T. urticae and can significantly influence pest outbreaks in strawberry production systems. Identification of less susceptible cultivars provides a valuable foundation for developing integrated pest management strategies. The study highlights the importance of host plant resistance as a sustainable approach to reducing reliance on chemical acaricides and improving long-term crop protection in strawberry cultivation systems.