Selection of predatory mites for the biological control of Potato Tuber Moth instored potatoes
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2020-03-20Abstract
Worldwide, the potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the
most severe pests a ecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), whether in open-air crops or during
tuber storage. This work examines the potential control of this pest by two species of predatory
mites, Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese) and Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese), on pest eggs under laboratory
conditions. In the two first assays, the acceptance rate of the pest eggs was assessed for each predatory
mite. Then, in a third assay, the functional response of B. tarsalis was studied. The results showed
that Macrocheles robustulus did not prey on the pest eggs (number of eggs surviving = 4.33 0.38),
whereas B. tarsalis did (number of eggs surviving = 0.5 0.5). Likewise, B. tarsalis showed a type II
functional response when it killed the eggs. The results showed the potential use of Blattisocius tarsalis
as a biological control agent of P. operculella in potato under storage conditions.
Palabra/s clave
Entomología
Control Biológico