The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii is widely used as a biological control agent against spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. This study examined the sublethal effects of two abamectin concentrations (LC10 and LC20 for A. swirskii) on life history traits and demographic parameters of the F₁ generation derived from treated parents under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 75 ± 5% RH, 16:8 [L:D] photoperiod). Using the age-stage, two-sex life table approach with Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey, results showed that total longevity was shortest in progeny of LC20-treated parents (males = 13.42 days; females = 13.94 days) compared with LC10 progeny (males = 15.06 days; females = 15.50 days). Fecundity, oviposition period, and net reproductive rate (R₀) declined significantly with increasing acaricide concentration. Intrinsic and finite rate were reported to be increased in the treatments (r: 0.159 vs. 0.199 day−¹; λ: 1.172 vs. 1.221 day−¹). Age-specific survival (lₓ), fecundity (mₓ), and reproductive value (vₓⱼ) curves indicated pronounced adverse effects of sublethal exposure on population performance. These findings demonstrate that even low concentrations of abamectin can compromise key life history traits of A. swirskii, potentially limiting its effectiveness in biological control programs. Thus, evaluating acaricide compatibility with natural enemies is critical for successful IPM implementation.

In recent years, the utilization of biocontrol agents to administer agriculture pests has received more attention, which has conduce to an growth in companies generating biocontrol agents, including predators and parasitoids. Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot as a part of predatory communities in greenhouses is currently used worldwide as a biocontrol agent against small insects and various mites, especially to suppress the population of the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch. To improve mass rearing of A. swirskii and optimize its application in integrated pest management programs, its development rate was determined at seven constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 34 (±1)°C, 50±10% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h under laboratory conditions. None of the eggs hatched at 34°C and no development was observed. To determine the lower temperature threshold (T0) and thermal constant (K) of different stages of the predator, two linear models (ordinary and Ikemoto) were used. In addition, 26 nonlinear models were fitted to evaluate the development rate at different temperatures. The lower temperature threshold (T0) and thermal constant (K) of total immature stages were estimated by the ordinary (3.72°C and 133.22 DD) and Ikemoto (10.64°C and 86.51DD) linear models. Based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC), the best model for the description of the temperature-dependent development rate of the egg, larval, protonymphal, and dutonymphal stages was the Ratkowsky model and for the whole pre-adult stage, it was the Logan-6 model. Our results provided a detailed evaluation of the thermal requirements of A. swirskii, which can be important in improving the role of this mite in biological control programs.

This paper reviews and introduces innovative research pertaining to the age-stage, two-sex life table. The main topics discussed are: (1) Analysis of data involving group-reared life table studies. We address the rationale behind the data analysis used when constructing a group-reared life table. Proper analysis of grouped-reared life table data enables the collection of realistic and applicable data for ecological studies, devising efficient mass-rearing programs and formulating pest management routines using time-and labor-saving group-rearing methods. (2) The bootstrap-match technique. This novel technique is applicable to those instances when constructing a complete life table involves collecting the immature independently from the adult data. (3) Application of the set theory in life table research. This procedure enables a mathematical description of the population structure and bootstrap samples. (4) Application of the multinomial theorem. Using the multinomial theorem enables calculation of the exact probability of bootstrap samples. (5) Inclusion of infertile bootstrap samples. Because it is impossible to calculate the intrinsic rates of increase for infertile samples, they are normally omitted in life table analysis. Inclusion of these infertile bootstrap samples produces an unbiased life table analysis. (6) The Cartesian product. The Cartesian product of two sets produces the complete coverage of all possible differences. We compared the paired bootstrap test, the Cartesian paired test based on bootstrap results, and the Cartesian paired test based on the multinomial theorem. (7) Integration of life table data with predation data. This procedure, which is especially relevant to biological control programs, enables a comprehensive study of the predator-prey relationship. (8) Computer simulation based on life tables. Population projection based on the age-stage, two-sex life table not only provides the means to predict the dynamics of stage structures of a given pest population, but also provides an insight into the dynamics of predation capacity of the predator population. (9) Problems in life table research. Each of the subjects discussed is crucial for the theoretical advancement and practical applications of scientific demographic research.

Potato Tuber Moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most destructive pests of potatoes under field and storage conditions. Exploiting plant resistance may help control the pest in an eco-friendly manner. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the resistance status of six common potato cultivars (Banba, Bellini, Draga, Marfona, Jelly, and Milva) under laboratory conditions (25±1°C, 65±5% RH and 14:10 (L: D) hours photoperiod). Life history and demographic parameters of P. operculella under laboratory conditions were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory, which could be appropriate indices in resistance and susceptibility evaluation of potato cultivars. Pre-adult development was slower on Marfona and faster on Banba (19.91 and 21.93 days, respectively) compared to the other cultivars. The longest oviposition days was found on Jelly (8.20 days), while the shortest (5.43 days) was on Bellini. The maximum values of r and λ were found on Marfona ( r = 0.160 d -1 , λ = 1.173 d -1 ), whereas the minimum values were recorded on Draga ( r = 0.092 d -1 , λ = 1.096 d -1 ). According to the findings of the present study, Draga was considered resistant and a less favorable host plant for the development and reproduction of PTM. These demographic data may be used to better understand the population dynamics of the pest on the six potato cultivars tested, thereby inevitably improve efficient pest management approaches for PTM in both organic and conventional production systems. tuber moth.

Aphids such as tobacco aphid Myzus persicae-nicotianae, are among the most important plant viral vectors and plant viruses encode genes to interact with their vectors. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) encodes 2b protein as a suppressor of plant immune and it plays a vital role in CMV accumulation and susceptibility to aphid vectors. In this study, the resistance of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) to M. p. nicotianae was evaluated by silencing of 2b in CMV-infected plants. However, the pFGC-C.h silencing gene construct was transiently expressed using Agrobacterium tumefacience, LBA 4404 in tobacco leaves, and four days later, the plants were mechanically inoculated by CMV (Kurdistan isolate), and then, 15 days post-inoculation 1 nonviruliferous aphid was placed on each leaf for evaluation of resistance to M. p. nicotianae. To evaluate the tobacco plants resistance and susceptibility to M. p. nicotianae, the number of aphids existent per tobacco leaf, life table and, demographic parameters were recorded and used as a comparison indicator. The obtained results were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The highest number of aphids was recorded on the control CMV-infected plants, while the lowest number on CMV infected leaves expressing CMV-2b silencing construct (pFGC-C.h). The obtained data revealed the lowest rate for all of intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) (0.246/day), the rate of reproduction (r0) (17.04 females/generation), and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.279/day), on the pFGC-C.h treatment. The maximum generation time (T) (11.834 days) was observed on (V) treatment. However, the collected data revealed induction of resistance to tobacco aphids by silencing of CMV-2b in CMV infected plants.

Temperature can influence the developmental rate and reproductive potential of herbivorous insects and mites. Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot is an effective phytoseiid predator with a significant ability to repress pest populations. To better understand the effect of temperature on the performance of A. swirskii, we studied temperature-dependent population growth and reproductive potential of the predatory mite under six constant temperatures (20, 22, 25, 27, 30, and 32°C), providing 75 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16 L: 8 D h. The average fecundity was 12.85, 18.24, 22.2, 27.24, 28.6, and 52.57 eggs/female at 20–32°C, respectively. The highest gross reproductive rate (GRR= 26.08 eggs/individual), net reproductive rate (R0= 22.51 eggs/individual), and intrinsic rate of increase (r= 0.174 day−1) were recorded at 27°C. The finite rate of increase (λ) and mean generation time (T) of A. swirskii were profoundly affected by temperature and varied from 1.101 to 1.190 day−1 and 10.85 to 19.09 days, respectively. Data obtained during this study indicated that 27°C is the best temperature for rearing this predatory mite. This study improves our findings of the temperature range to optimize the mass rearing of A. swirskii as an effective predatory mite.

Short note on TWOSEX-MSChart: the key tool for life table research and education.

In recent years, the utilization of biocontrol agents for agriculture pests has received more attention, which has led to a growth in companies producing biocontrol agents, including predators and parasites. One of the phenomena that should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of the efficiency and selection of natural enemies is the predation rate and the effects of temperature on this characteristic of predators. As part of predatory communities in the greenhouse, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot is currently used worldwide as a biological control agent against small insects and various mites, particularly to suppress the population of the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch is used. To improve the mass rearing of this species and optimize its use in integrated pest management, in this research, the predation capacity of this mite was investigated in the control of the two-spotted spider mite at three constant temperatures 17, 22, and 27(±1)°C, 70-80% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h in the laboratory. In this study, adult mites were used and each adult mite was fed with a certain number of adult mites. The transformation rate from prey population to predator offspring (Qp) on TSSM at temperatures of 17, 22, and 27 were calculated as 7.71, 10.12, and 8.47 respectively, which indicates the upper limit of controlling this pest at 22°C. According to the results of the present research, these species can have effective control of the two-spotted spider mite in a wide temperature range, and this can be considered in their release in the greenhouse.

1. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Urmia, Urmia, Iran; 2. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; 3. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey & 4. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran. Corresponding author, E-mail: m.maroufpoor@uok.ac.ir Abstract The Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) and the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) rank among the most destructive pests in food processing facilities worldwide. Ephestia kuehniella and C. maculatus may live in the same store simultaneously. To provide a comprehensive ecological based and cost effective control program, the life history and demographic parameters of the both stored product pests were studied at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH, and 16L:8D hours photoperiod. Moreover, population growth potential of the pests compared based on population projection. Life history and demographic parameters of both pests were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The results revealed that E. kuehniella had longer immature developmental time, shorter adult longevity, shorter reproduction period, higher fecundity, higher net reproduction rate, and lower intrinsic rate of increase in comparison with the cowpea weevil. The obtained results have been discussed in terms of developing appropriate management strategies against both pests in the storage.

A new mite species of the genus Gaeolaelaps, G. scarites Joharchi and Saeidi sp. nov., collected from under the elytra and on the abdomen of Scarites (Parallelomorphus) terricola Bonelli (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Iran is described and illustrated.

Herein, the genus Digamasellus Berlese, 1905 is reported for the first time from Iran on the basis of a newly collected specimen of D. punctum (Berlese, 1904) from cow manure in Kermanshah Province, Western Iran. A complementary description of adult female of the species is presented based on a single collected specimen to present additional information about the species. Also, a key to the world species of the genus is presented.

In addition to determining the lethal effects, identifying sublethal effects of a pesticide is crucial to understanding the total impact a pesticide may have on a pest population. We determined the sublethal effects the two pesticides, abamectin and pyridaben, have on the cyclamen mite, Phytonemus pallidus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae)—a major pest of strawberry. Demographic traits of the P. pallidus progeny (F1 generation) produced by parents (F0 generation) treated with a low lethal concentration (LC15) of abamectin and pyridaben were assessed using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The total longevity of the F1 generation (males = 10.78 days; female = 14.35 days) was the shortest in the progeny of the abamectin treated parents, differing significantly from the progeny of mites treated with pyridaben (males = 11.50 days, females = 15.63 days), and the control population (males = 13.50 days, females = 17.81 days). The intrinsic rates of increase (r) and the finite rates of increase (λ) of the progeny of abamectin (r = 0.0854 day−1, λ = 1.0891 day−1) and pyridaben (r = 0.0951 day−1, λ = 1.0997 day−1) treated parents were significantly lower than in the control mites (r = 0.1455 day−1, λ = 1.1567 day−1). The lowest fecundity (5.35 eggs/female), occurred in F1 female offspring of parents treated with LC15 concentrations of abamectin, which was significantly lower than in the pyridaben (6.11 eggs/female) and control treatments (11.45 eggs/female). Transgenerational sublethal effects of abamectin and pyridaben in P. pallidus can be effectively used to for optimizing IPM programs against this pest on strawberries.

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an important pest of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) grown in greenhouses and outdoors. In this study, we evaluated the resistance status of five common strawberry cultivars ('Aromas', 'Kurdistan', 'Missionary', 'Paros', and 'Queen Elisa') under laboratory conditions. The developmental times of the preadult and adult stages, total longevity, reproduction, and life table parameters were analyzed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table theory, which provides the most comprehensive description on the survival, stage differentiation, and reproduction of a population. Preadult development was the shortest on Kurdistan and longest on Aromas (17.70 d vs. 21.00 d). The greatest number of oviposition days occurred on Missionary (28.65 d), whereas the fewest were on Queen Elisa (21.58 d). The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) varied among the cultivars. The highest values were found on Kurdistan (r = 0.1436d-1, λ=1.1544d-1), while the lowest values were on the Aromas cultivar (r = 0.1081d-1, λ=1.1141d-1). The longest mean generation time (T) of T. urticae occurred on Aromas. Based on the results of the present study, the cultivar Aromas was considered the most resistant to T. urticae and least favored strawberry cultivar for the development and reproduction of the mite. Demographic data of twospotted spider mite on these five strawberry cultivars can be used to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of the pest and thereby develop effective pest management strategies against T. urticae in both integrated and organic strawberry production.

The strawberry mite, Phytonemus pallidus fragariae (Acari: Tarsonemidae), is an important pest of strawberries grown in a greenhouse, and field-grown strawberries also may be infested at the high humidity conditions. In this study, we evaluated the life history and demographic parameters of P. pallidus fragariae on three cultivars (Selva, Camarosa and Queen Elisa) of strawberry. The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 20 ± 1°C, 80 ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. The age-stage, two-sex life table program was used to analyze the data. The development time was faster on Selva than on Queen Elisa (18.8 vs. 19.1 days). The oviposition period was longer on Queen Elisa than on Camarosa (12.5 vs. 11.9 days). Fecundity and female adult longevity of P. pallidus fragariae were not significantly different among the three cultivars of strawberry. Life table provides the most comprehensive description of the survival, stage differentiation and reproduction of the population. Although some variations observed in the life table parameters of P. pallidus fragariae, no significant differences were observed among three different cultivars. The fast growth was observed for P. pallidus fragariae on Queen Elisa based on population projection. Therefore, research on these three strawberry cultivars can be used to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of the pest and thereby developing effective pest management programs against P. pallidus fragariae.

The strawberry mite, Phytonemus pallidus fragariae (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae), is one of the most important pests of greenhouse grown strawberry plants. Field grown strawberries may also be infested by the pest in high humid conditions. Life tables give the most comprehensive description of the development, survival, stage differentiation, reproduction and consequently population growth of a population, and thus it is an important base of population ecology and pest management. In this study, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an ecology-based and cost-effective control program, life history and demographic parameters of the strawberry mite were studied. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions providing 20 ± 1 °C, 80 ± 10% RH and L16:D8 photoperiod. The data were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The population parameters net reproduction rate (R0 = 6.14 offspring), intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.1317 day−1), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.1407 day−1) on cv. Aromas were lower than those on the other cultivars tested. Based on the population characteristics, Aromas is a less favorable cultivar for the population growth of strawberry mite.

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, is an important pest of strawberries grown both in greenhouse and field, and also may be infested at high humid condition. In this study, we evaluated the life history and demographic parameters of TSSM on five varieties (Frenzo, Karsin-Berg, Klassica, Pajaro, and Ventana) of strawberry at a constant temperature of 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 75 +/- 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h L: D. Egg-to-female adult development was faster on Karsin-Berg and slower on Klassica variety (17.4 vs. 21.1 days). The oviposition period was longer on Karsin-Berg and shorter on Pajaro variety (27.0 vs. 17.4 days). Fecundity and female adult longevity of TSSM were significantly different among the five varieties of strawberry. Life table parameters provide most comprehensive description on the survival, stage differentiation, and reproduction of the population and they were significantly affected by different varieties of strawberry. The net reproductive rate was the highest on Ventana and lowest on Pajaro. The intrinsic rate of natural increase varied from 0.1067 on Frenzo to 0.1212 day(-1) on Ventana. The mean generation time of TSSM were considerably affected by strawberry varieties and the longer generation time was on Frenzo. Based on results of the present study, Frenzo and Pajaro is a less favourable variety for the population growth of TSSM. Research on these five strawberry varieties can be used to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of the pest and thereby develop effective pest management programmes against T. urticae.

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a cosmopolitan pest of stored grains, and the most important insect pests in grain processing and other storage facilities. The current study is designed to characterize the life history parameters of T. castaneum such as egg-to-adult development, reproduction, male and female longevity on three conventional wheat flour varieties, i.e., Azar 2, Homa and Sardari. Adult pre-oviposition and oviposition periods were significantly higher for females reared on Azar 2 variety compared to Homa and Sardari varieties. Although total fecundity of T. castaneum female reared on three flour varieties were not significantly different, daily fecundity was higher on Homa than Azar 2 and Sardari varieties. The intrinsic rate of natural increase varied from 0.0074 to 0.0173 day(-1) on flour varieties. The mean generation time (T) of T. castaneum were considerably affected by flour varieties. Based on results of the present study, Sardari is a less favorable variety for the development and reproduction of T. castaneum and may be considered for management of this detrimental pest.

Erythraeus (Zaracarus) coleopterus Mortazavi, Hajiqanbar & Saboori, 2012 (Acari: Parasitengona: Erythraeidae) was described based on a single specimen from Kerman province, southeastern Iran, associated with a scarabaeid beetle, Cyphonoxia sp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). This species reports for the second time from stored grain (off host) in Saqqez and Baneh cities, Kurdistan province, western Iran and presents new morphological data. Finding some specimens help us to augment and correct the original description of E. (Z.) coleopterus . A key to world larval species group of Erythraeus ( Zaracarus ) is presented which is modified and corrected from Mahmoudi et al. (2014).

There is a rapid growth in the screening of plant materials for finding new bio-pesticides. In the present study, the essential oils of E. oleosa and E. torquata leaves were extracted using a Clevenger apparatus and their chemical profiles were investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Among identified compounds, the terpenes had highest amount for both essential oils; 93.59% for E. oleosa and 97.69% for E. torquata. 1,8-Cineole (31.96%), α-pinene (15.25%) and trans-anethole (7.32%) in the essential oil of E. oleosa and 1,8-cineole (28.57%), α-pinene (15.74%) and globulol (13.11%) in the E. torquata essential oil were identified as the main components. The acaricidal activity of the essential oils of E. oleosa and E. torquata were examined using fumigation methods against the adult females of Tetranychus urticae Koch. The essential oils have potential acaricidal effects on T. urticae. The essential oil of E. oleosa with LC50 value of 2.42 µL/L air was stronger than E. torquata. A correlation between log concentration and mite mortality has been observed. Based on the results of present study, it can be stated that the essential oils of E. oleosa and E. torquata have a worthy potential in the management of T. urticae.