Age-Stage Two-Sex Life Table of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Feeding on Tetranychus cinnabarinus on Rose

Abstract

Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a highly effective predatory mite widely used in biological control programs against spider mites in ornamental and agricultural crops. Tetranychus cinnabarinus, commonly known as the carmine spider mite, is a destructive pest of rose plants, causing chlorosis, leaf bronzing, reduced photosynthesis, and decline in ornamental quality. Understanding the demographic characteristics and population growth potential of P. persimilis when feeding on T. cinnabarinus is essential for improving biological control strategies in rose cultivation systems. The present study was conducted to evaluate the age-stage two-sex life table parameters of P. persimilis feeding on T. cinnabarinus under controlled laboratory conditions. Developmental duration, survival rate, fecundity, longevity, and reproductive performance of the predator were recorded across all developmental stages. Age-stage survival rates, age-specific fecundity, life expectancy, and population growth parameters including intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, net reproductive rate, and mean generation time were calculated using the age-stage two-sex life table approach. The results demonstrated that P. persimilis successfully completed its life cycle while feeding on T. cinnabarinus and exhibited high reproductive potential under favorable environmental conditions. Female predators showed greater longevity and fecundity compared with males, contributing significantly to rapid population growth. The predator displayed high survival rates during immature stages and efficient prey utilization, indicating strong adaptation to the target prey species. Population growth parameters revealed a high intrinsic rate of increase and short generation time, suggesting the capability of P. persimilis to establish and expand rapidly in infested rose crops. The findings highlight the strong biological control potential of P. persimilis against T. cinnabarinus on rose plants.