Temperature-dependent life history traits of the fig mite, Aceria ficus (Cotte) (Acari: Eriophyidae)
摘要
The fig mite Aceria ficus (Cotte, 1920) (Acari: Eriophyidae) is a serious pest and virus vector of fig trees and the damage caused by this mite can significantly reduce fruit yield and quality. Environmental temperature, being a significant abiotic factor, is essential in pest biology and development and must be considered in pest management strategies, as it highly affects the population of these ectothermic arthropods and may worsen the pest status of a species. In this study, different life history traits of the fig mite were assessed at three constant temperatures (22, 26, and 30 °C) on fig leaves. All juvenile stages of the mite showed faster development as the temperature increased from 22 to 30 °C. Female development took the longest at 22 °C, lasting 27.21 days, followed by 26 °C with 24.1 days, and was shortest at 30 °C with 21.14 days. The highest fecundity (20.32 eggs/female) and oviposition period (11.97days) were obtained at 30 °C, whilst the lowest were observed at 22 °C (14.66 eggs/female, and 10.12 days). Furthermore, the highest net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were recorded at 30 °C (9.87 eggs/individual and 0.176 day-1, respectively). These results indicate that the optimal temperature for the growth of the fig mite population is approximately 30 °C. They have implications for managing this mite vector and can be used in developing pest management strategies or predicting the population growth and dynamics of A. ficus on fig trees.