An ecofriendly approach to broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) management: integrating pepper resistance and predatory mite (Neoseiulus californicus) in a tritrophic system

Biological control and host plant resistance are frequently integrated in many reliable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. However, the integration of these strategies can influence the interactions among plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Differences in the quality of a host plant may positively or negatively influence the strength of the top-down forces. In this study, the effects of seven glasshouse pepper cultivars, including the susceptible cultivars (Lumos and AD90), semi-resistant cultivar (Clavesol), and resistant cultivars (Chidem, Sympathy, Sunset, and AG50) on the biological performance and predation capacity of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) when feeding on different stages of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) were investigated under controlled conditions. Significant differences were observed in the biological performance and predation capacity of the predator on different cultivars. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) varied from 0.079 d-1 in Sunset (resistant) to 0.134 d-1 in Lumos (susceptible). Significant differences were also observed among the resistant cultivars, which Sunset had a higher negative impact on the population growth parameters (r, gross reproductive rate (GRR), and net reproductive rate (R0)) of the predator compared with the other cultivars. In addition, the semi-resistant cultivar of Clavesol performed similar to the susceptible cultivars. The R0 of the predator varied from 3.20 eggs/individual in Sunset to 6.94 eggs/individual in Lumos. The highest value of the net predation rate (C0) (1168 prey/predator), finite predation rate (ω) (30.09 prey/predator), and stable predation rate (ψ) (27.81 prey/predator) were observed on Sympathy (resistant), Sunset (resistant), and Sunset (resistant), respectively. CONCLUSION Although population growth potential of N. californicus was higher on the susceptible cultivars compared with the resistant and the semi-resistant ones, the predator's predation capacity was notably higher on the resistant and semi-resistant cultivars compared with the susceptible ones. The resistant cultivars also showed varying degrees of resistance, where the highest negative impact on the life table parameters of the predatory mite was observed when N. californicus fed on Polyphagotarsonemus latus reared on the Sunset cultivar. However, the resistant cultivars and N. californicus can improve the broad mite management program on glasshouse peppers despite some negative impacts on the predator.