Pollen quality and predator viability: life table of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani on seven different plant pollens and two-spotted spider mite

Abstract Integrated Pest Management programs rely heavily on maximum preservation of predatory insects and mites. Considering the fact that the pollen spectrum accepted by Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan is not known, this study aimed towards a comparison of the suitability of seven different pollens including almond (Prunus amygdalis Batsch), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), bee pollen and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), as well as one prey mite (Tetranychus urticae), under laboratory condition (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, 16:8 (L:D) h). Furthermore nutritional value of different pollens was compared by calculating the protein, lipid and sugars content. Typhlodromus bagdasarjani was able to survive and reproduce on all pollens offered except on castor bean pollen which was toxic, causing 100% pre-adult mortality. The shortest and longest developmental time was observed when predators were supplied with almond and bee pollen, respectively. Pollens from almond, with the highest values of protein and sucrose, and the middle level of lipid content, had the highest nutritional value for T. bagdasarjani as evidenced by the highest value of the intrinsic rate of increase (r= 0.1605 day -1), finite rate of increase (λ= 1.1741 day-1) and net reproductive rate (R0=13.45 offspring/ individual); and the shortest mean developmental time. According to the results, almond pollen can be used to amplify the experimental and commercial mass rearing programs of this predator and maize plant can be recommended as banker plants in greenhouses.