Feeding Preference and Oviposition Behavior of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Resistant and Susceptible Rose Cultivars

Abstract

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a destructive pest of ornamental crops, causing significant damage to rose plants through feeding activity and rapid population development. Understanding feeding preference and oviposition behavior on resistant and susceptible cultivars is essential for improving host plant resistance strategies in integrated pest management programs. The present study investigated the feeding preference and oviposition behavior of T. urticae on selected resistant and susceptible rose cultivars under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Adult mites were exposed to different rose cultivars, and observations were recorded on feeding intensity, leaf damage, oviposition rate, developmental performance, and population establishment. The results demonstrated significant differences in mite preference and reproductive behavior among the tested cultivars. Susceptible rose cultivars supported higher feeding activity, greater oviposition rates, and faster population growth compared to resistant cultivars. In contrast, resistant cultivars exhibited reduced feeding damage and lower egg deposition, indicating the presence of defensive plant traits affecting mite behavior and reproduction. Morphological and biochemical characteristics of resistant cultivars, including leaf surface properties and secondary metabolite composition, likely contributed to reduced host suitability. Mites displayed clear host selection behavior by preferentially colonizing susceptible cultivars with favorable nutritional and physiological conditions. Reduced survival and delayed development were observed on resistant cultivars, further limiting pest population establishment. The findings highlight the importance of host plant resistance as a sustainable component of spider mite management in ornamental crop production. This study provides valuable insights into host–pest interactions and supports the development of integrated pest management strategies utilizing resistant rose cultivars to reduce reliance on chemical acaricides.