Potential of a Brazilian population of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes as a biological control agent of Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)

Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, is a key pest of tomato in Africa. Surveys have been conducted in the last few years to search for predators associated with this pest in Brazil for introduction into Africa. Biological parameters of Phytoseiulus longipes Evans, one of the predators found in those surveys, were evaluated when it was exposed to different food items, including T. evansi, in laboratory tests. The predator had about the same oviposition rate on T. evansi and on Tetranychus urticae Koch; it did not oviposite when fed on pollen of Ricinus communis L. or Typha sp. When given the choice, the predators were found in higher proportions on leaflets infested with T. evansi than with T. urticae; on the former leaflets, they also laid more eggs. Full life table analysis indicated that the predator performed well on T. evansi and on T. urticae, although reproductive parameters were higher on the former prey. The results suggest that the Brazilian population of P. longipes has a good potential as a biological control agent of T. evansi.