Spatial distribution and population fluctuation of Tetranychus urticae (Koch) and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot) in rose crops

Abstract

Spatial and vertical distributions, and population fluctuations of Tetranychus urticae and its predator Phytoseiulus persimilis were determined in four varieties of rose (Royal, Samuray, Red Baiser and Keiro) under greenhouse conditions. Nine samples for the pest and 8 samples for the predator were obtained. From 20 September to 18 November 2013, T. urticae and P. persimilis presented an aggregated distribution pattern during most of the sampling dates. At the same time, P. persimilis did not change the vertical distribution of T. urticae. A synchronous behavior between both predator and prey was observed in the four study varieties, although only the cultivars Royal and Samuray presented a significant correlation (r=-0.708, P<0.05; r=0.702, P<0.05, respectively).