Some Biological Aspects of Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Three Leafy Vegetable Crops

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University. Zagazig, Egypt

Abstract

In this laboratory study, development and reproduction rates of the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch were assessed when reared on leaves of three leafy vegetable crops in Egypt: jew's mallow Corchorus olitorius L., lettuce Lactuca sativa L. and malva Malva sylvestris L. at 27 ± 3 ºC and 70 ± 5% R.H. to determine their suitability as hosts for this pest. The tested plants were markedly differed in their suitability as hosts for T. urticae. The most favorable host plant was jew's mallow followed by lettuce and malva. Duration of the total developmental time from egg to adult was significantly (P≤ 0.05) shorter on jew's mallow, while this period was relatively longer on lettuce and malva. The greatest numbers of laid eggs were counted on jew's mallow, while malva recorded the lowest numbers. These outcomes indicated that, T. urticae may be considered as important pest on these studied crops. Host plant species is one of the variables affecting characteristics of population growth of this mite pest.

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Scientific Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 6, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 111-116

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