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Biology of Oligonychus yothersi (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on three host plants

Abstract:

Oligonychus yothersi (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a significant pest in coffee crops, however, it can feed on a number of plant species from different families in the Neotropical region. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the host plant on biology and life tables of O. yothersi on peach, apple and rose leaves under laboratory climate-controlled conditions (21 °C ± 1 °C, 52% ± 10% HR, 12:12 photoperiod). The life cycle of O. yothersi showed differences in the duration of some developmental stages. The stages from egg to teleiochrysalis were significantly shorter on peach. Regarding the reproductive parameters, the preoviposition time was shorter when the mite was reared on peach leaves, while no differences were observed on apple and rose leaves. Maximum values of oviposition, postoviposition, fecundity, and longevity periods were observed on peach leaves, followed by apple, and rose leaves. According to our results, peach leaves seem to provide better conditions for the development of O. yothersi, potentially posing a threat not only to this crop but also to apple cultivation, as these crops often grow in association in the Andean region from Ecuador.