The anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius was studied for the first time on red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae Nieter. Laboratory studies indicated that B. pallescens can be successfully reared on RSM. Incubation period was 4.4 ± 0.34 days. The total developmental period of five nymphal instars to adults was 17.1 ± 0.34 days. Blaptostethus pallescens nymphs consumed RSM in the range of 3.83 ± 0.18 to 17.37 ± 0.95/day. Female B. Pallescens consumed more mites than male. The study clearly showed B. pallescens is a promising candidate in tea plantations for the control of red spider mite.
Keywords
Blaptostethus pallescens, Biology, Predator, Red Spider Mite, Tea.
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