ارزش غذایی دو گرده گیاهی مختلف در پرورش انبوه کنه‌های شکارگر Neoseiulus cucumeris و Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The feeding capability on a variety of alternative diets can provide some important advantages for generalist Phytoseiids in favor of biological control programs. This feature can reduce intraguild predation and cannibalism, probably by affecting both interspecific and intraspecific competitions. In this research, to evaluate the nutritional value of two different plant pollens (saffron and proso millet) in mass rearing of the predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris Athias-Henriot and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), life table studies were carried out in laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. According to the obtained data, developmental time did not differ between the two pollen diets for either predatory mite. However, A. swirskii completed immature development significantly faster than N. cucumeris on both pollen diet tested. Fecundity of both predator females offered saffron pollen was significantly higher than that of females given proso millet pollen, however, N. cucumeris females had higher fecundity than A. swirskii females. Comparisons between two predators indicated that N. cucumeris had a higher R0, GRR, r, and λ than A. swirskii on saffron and proso millet pollen. This suggests that saffron and proso millet pollen could be a viable alternative food source for these predators, particularly during times when prey in the field are scarce or absent. Additionally, our results indicate that saffron pollen can be effectively used for mass rearing and/or conservation of these predatory mites in biological programs.