Assessing population growth potential of Phytonemus pallidus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on different strawberry cultivars using group-rearing life table

• Published in: Systematic and applied acarology
• Main Authors: Ansari-Shiri, Hassan, Hajiqanbar, Hamidreza, Zalucki, Myron P., Fathipour, Yaghoub
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 28.07.2025
• ISSN: 1362-1971; 2056-6069
• DOI: 10.11158/saa.30.7.5

The cyclamen mite (CM), Phytonemus pallidus Banks (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is a major pest of greenhouse-cultivated strawberries. In this study, we assessed the influence of seven strawberry cultivars (Albion, Gaviota, Camarosa, Paros, Ventana, Sabrina and Selva) on the life history traits of CM under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, 16:8 h L:D photoperiod). Although CM completed its life cycle on all tested cultivars, developmental duration and population growth parameters varied significantly. The longest development time was observed on Paros (9.2 days), while the shortest occurred on Albion (8.2 days). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.164 day⁻¹) and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.178 day⁻¹) were recorded on Sabrina, followed closely by Camarosa (r = 0.161 day⁻¹, λ = 1.174 day⁻¹). In contrast, the lowest values were found on Paros (r = 0.129 day⁻¹, λ = 1.137 day⁻¹), Albion (r = 0.131 day⁻¹, λ = 1.140 day⁻¹) and Selva (r = 0.134 day⁻¹, λ = 1.144 day⁻¹). These results suggest that Sabrina and Camarosa are highly susceptible to CM, whereas Albion, Paros and Selva demonstrate antibiosis resistance. Our findings provide valuable insights for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies targeting CM. However, further validation under greenhouse or field  conditions is recommended to confirm cultivar resistance and optimize pest control measures.