Population abundance of Pronematus ubiquitus (McGregor, 1932) (Acari: Tydeidae) on different fig varieties

Subject Areas : entomology and othea arthropods

P.  Baradaran ¹ (Department of Agricultural Research Zoology, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Tehran, Iran)
M.  Arbabi ² (Department of Agricultural Research Zoology, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Tehran, Iran)

Received: 2008-12-10 Accepted : 2009-08-23 Published : 2009-08-23

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Abstract :

Pronematus ubiquitus (McGregor) is a common predatory of fig pest mites in Iran and other part of the world. Investigation on population abundance of predatory mite was carried out on 11 commercial fig varieties in Saveh, a city of Iran during two years (2000-2001) in Saveh region. Complete randomize block designed with four replications and each replicate consisted of a fig tree selected for the experiment. Fortnight sampling was followed from May up to middle of November. Abundance of P. ubiquitus on leaves were counted under stereo microscope by help of  4 squares centimeters plastic hallow frame which placed randomly bilateral of midrib under side of the leaf. Analysis of variance on collected mite data showed statistically significant at level of five percent. Maximum mean population density of mite recorded 9.82 and 11.32 mites for American No. 2 and minimum for Black Varamin 0.19 mites respectively during two years studies. Increasing predatory mite statistically was found significant with decreasing mean of temperature during Sept. –Nov. Maximum abundance of predatory mite was recorded during Oct.–Nov. with reduction of prey mobility, temperature and photoperiodic according to Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) method.