Life Table Parameters and Predatory Capacity of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tyrophagus putrescentiae

Abstract

Life table parameters and predatory performance of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were evaluated against Tyrophagus putrescentiae under controlled laboratory conditions to assess its potential as a biological control agent. Developmental duration, survivorship, fecundity, and predation rates were recorded across all immature and adult stages when reared on the astigmatid mite prey. Results indicated successful development from egg to adult, with relatively high survival rates and stable reproduction under optimal temperature and humidity regimes. Life table analysis revealed a positive intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate, indicating the suitability of T. putrescentiae as a factitious prey for mass rearing and field deployment of N. barkeri. Predatory capacity increased with prey density up to a saturation threshold, beyond which handling time limited consumption efficiency. Adult females exhibited the highest predation rates, contributing significantly to population regulation of the prey mite. Functional response analysis suggested a Type II response pattern, characterized by rapid initial prey consumption followed by deceleration at higher densities. The study also demonstrated that environmental conditions such as temperature significantly influenced developmental time and predation efficiency, with improved performance observed under moderately warm conditions. These findings highlight the dual role of N. barkeri as both a reproductive and effective predatory mite capable of suppressing stored product and greenhouse pest populations. Integration of this predator into biological control programs can provide a sustainable alternative to chemical acaricides in protected and storage systems. Further semi-field and field evaluations are recommended to validate its efficacy under commercial production conditions.