Effects of Alternative Food Sources and Different Substrates on the Mass Rearing of <i>Amblyseius andersoni</i>
Angelos Bechtsoudis | Maria L. Pappas | Konstantinos Samaras | George D. Broufas
The predatory mite <i>Amblyseius andersoni</i> Chant (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a key biological control agent against spider mites and other pests. For its broad application, efficient and affordable mass-rearing systems are essential. This study evaluated the effects of rearing substrate, food type, and rearing history on the development, survival, reproduction, and predation efficiency of the predator. Mites were reared on leaf discs or Plexiglas plates and fed one of five diets, including various plant pollens and the stored product mite <i>Carpoglyphus lactis</i> (L.) (Acari: Carpoglyphidae). Additionally, it was assessed whether rearing five generations on cattail pollen supplemented with the natural prey (<i>Tetranychus urticae</i> Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) or frozen <i>C. lactis</i> influenced later predators’ performance. The substrate type did not affect development or survival contrary to the food source, with mites fed on cattail pollen or <i>C. lactis</i> developing faster and producing more eggs. Survival remained high across all diets. The intrinsic rate of increase was highest with cattail pollen and <i>C. lactis</i>. The five-generation rearing did not affect performance or feeding on natural prey such as <i>T. urticae</i> or <i>Aculops lycopersici</i> (Tryon) (Acari: Eriophyidae). These findings demonstrate that <i>A. andersoni</i> can be effectively mass-reared on alternative diets and substrates, supporting biocontrol strategies.
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