Impact of Thrips Predation Caliothrips phaseoli Hood on Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux on Moringa oleifera Lamarck

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a tree of which oil is extracted and used as lubricant, creams and soaps, fodder, and biofuel. Survival, life expectancy, and the rate of growth of Tetranychus merganser on M. oleifera trees was studied, as well as the effect of an enemy or natural competitor on the spider mite, and if the red spider mite has any probability of becoming a major pest under greenhouse conditions. Based on the results of survival, life expectancy, and growth rate of T. merganser, we consider that the mite is a potential pest under greenhouse production systems. The unexpected appearance of Caliothrips phaseoli larvae impacted the growth rate of the mite.