Prey stage preference by different stages of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on rose

Abstract Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is a commercialized predatory mite that is commonly used in ornamental greenhouses to control spider mites. In this research, prey stage preference of this predator on rose leaf disc was studied in laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 75 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D hour photoperiod). The preference index for each predator stage was calculated by Manly's β index. Comparison of the mean preference index for protonymphs, deutonymphs and females of P. persimilis showed that all stages of this predator showed a significant preference for eggs of T. urticae. The predator protonymphs and deutonymphs preferred prey eggs, followed by prey larvae and protonymphs, and the female predators preferred prey eggs, followed by prey protonymphs and deutonymphs.