Functional Response of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot on Four Developmental Stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch on Disks of Rose Leaves

Abstract

The functional response of Phytoseiulus persimilis on four development stages at different densities of Tetranychus urticae Koch was determined. A functional response type II by the P-1 (P-1 < 0) parameter of general model of the functional response was found, which indicated that the proportion of prey consumed by P. persimilis decreased monotonically with the initial number of prey offered. The consumption by P. persimilis was greater in eggs followed by larvae, nymphs, and adults. An inverse relationship between the parameters Th and a' because of the increased size of the dam was observed, which can impact the predator-prey dynamics under greenhouse and/or field conditions; under these conditions, releases can be made of 1: 42 predators: prey and obtain good results.