Evaluation of different artificial diets for rearing the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae): diet-dependent life table studies

The use of an artificial diet may represent a step toward more cost-effective rearing of generalist phytoseiid mites. Life table studies were performed to evaluate the nutritional value of ten different artificial diets as an alternative food source for rearing of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor. All experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, at 25 +/- 1°C, 60 +/- 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Most enriched diets reduced the total developmental time of the predator compared to the basic artificial diet (AD1). All enriched artificial diets (except AD10 (diet enriched with multivitamin syrup) and AD5 (diet enriched with serum albumin protein)) increased the total fecundity of N. californicus compared with AD1, and the highest fecundity was observed on the diet supplemented with Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs (AD2). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) values were observed on the diets enriched with E. kuehniella eggs (AD2), Artemia franciscana Kellogg cysts (AD3) and maize pollen (AD6), whereas the diet enriched with serum albumin protein (AD5) had the lowest value of this parameter. In conclusion, the diets supplemented with arthropod components, as well as with bull sperm or maize pollen all enhanced survival, development and reproduction of N. californicus, and consequently its population growth parameters.