Effect of temperature on biological parameters of Eutetranychus africanus (Tücker) (Acari, Tetranychidae) on white frangipani

This study investigates the effects of temperature on the development, survival, and reproduction of Eutetranychus africanus (Tücker) (Acari: Tetranychidae) reared on White frangipani (Plumeria alba L.: Apocynaceae) under laboratory conditions. Development, survivorship, and reproduction of this mite were studied on units made of detached leaves of P. alba, at three constant temperatures (20, 25, and 30 ± 2 °C), relative humidity (70 ± 5% RH), and photoperiod (16L: 8D). Mites completed their development and reproduced at all three tested temperatures. Developmental time, oviposition period, adult longevity, and life span decreased as temperature increased, although daily oviposition rate and fecundity increased. The results indicated that while E. africanus develops across a wide temperature range, 30 °C has the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r), the net reproductive rate (R0), and the shortest time for population doubling (DT). The gross reproductive rate (GRR) reached the highest value at 30 °C as well. This study might be a significant step toward funding the future establishment of effective mite control.