Effect of Alternate Food Sources on Predatory Mite Amblyseius finlandicus (Oudeman) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The effect of various alternate food sources on the biological parameters of predatory mite, Amblyseius finlandicus (Oudeman) was evaluated under the laboratory condition. Among various alternate food sources the adult male and female longevity was maximum (7.80 and 12.60 days) when fed with mixture of castor pollen + yeast + honey, while in case of primary food sources maximum adult male and female longevity (18.00 and 26.20 days) was recorded when fed upon mixed stages of T. urticae. Fecundity of A. finlandicus was highest (9.60 eggs) when fed with mixture of castor pollens + yeast + honey. However, among primary food sources the fecundity of A. alstoniae was maximum i.e.27.10 eggs when fed mixed stages of T. urticae.