Autoria: COSTA, J. M. R.; LIMA, D. B.; GINDIM JÚNIOR, M. G. C.; OLIVEIRA, J. E. de M.; MELO, J. W. S.

Resumo: Predatory mites, particularly those of the Phytoseiidae family, play a key role in sustain- able pest management by reducing pest populations and minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides. Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a generalist predator, with great potential for controlling noxious agricultural pests. However, large-scale rear- ing of A. largoensis remains a challenge due to the lack of an efficient mass-production system. This study aimed to select a factitious prey species from the order Astigmata that could support the mass-rearing of A. largoensis. Four Astigmata species (Carpoglyphus lactis L., Thyreophagus crasentiseta Barbosa, OConnor & Moraes, Tyrophagus putres- centiae Schrank, and Glycycometus aff. molitor Volgin & Akimov) were evaluated for their ability to sustain the predator’s survival, development, and reproduction. Tetranychus urticae Koch, a well-established natural prey, was used as a control. Bioassays assessed the growth rates of A. largoensis when fed exclusively on each prey species. The results showed that C. lactis supported survival and reproduction rates comparable to T. urticae, with an intrinsic growth rate favorable for mass-rearing. The other prey proved unsuitable for A. largoensis mass-rearing. Additionally, C. lactis offers practical advantages as it is easy to rearing, thrives on simple and inexpensive food sources, and allows for continuous predator production. This study highlights the potential of C. lactis as a viable factitious prey for the large-scale production of A. largoensis, contributing to the diversification of biological control strategies. Future research should focus on optimizing rearing protocols and field evaluation to validate the effectiveness of A. largoensis as a biocontrol agent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Ano de publicação: 2025

Tipo de publicação: Artigo de periódico

Unidade: Embrapa Semiárido

Palavras-chave: Astigmatina, Biological control, Carpoglyphus lactis, Controle Biológico, Criação em massa, Insects, Inseto, Manejo sustentável de pragas, Phytoseiidae, Praga, Ácaro, Ácaro predador, Ácaros astigmatídeos