Investigation in the storage of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii under the condition of low temperature

Abstract

Goal. To determine the influence of storage of the mite Amblyseius Swirskii at the temperature range from 0 to 10°C on the biological and technological indicators of culture. Methods. Common in technical entomology and acarology methods of keeping and artificial reproduction of populations of mites. Methods of planning of experiment and experimental data processing: central composite rotatable plan, regression analysis. Results. The experiments showed a reduction of viability of predatory mites Ambliseius Swirskii with the increase of storage period in low temperatures. Minimization of the loss of predator can be achieved with storage temperature of about 6°C. The viability of the mite under these conditions remains at the optimum (close to the control) level for the storage conditions of not more than 8 days. The two-factor experiment gave the opportunity to obtain appropriate analytical expression — survival is dependent on storage time and temperature. Indicators of female fertility of Ambliseius Swirskii after pre-storage at that temperature during 8 days remain at the optimal level. The effect is shown of low storage temperature on the migration activity of mites — it decreases after 8 days of storage. Keeping in the low-temperature conditions up to 8 days retain the migration activity of predators acceptable for practical use level. Conclusions. The optimal storage temperature, which secures the smallest loss of Ambliseius Swirskii, is 6°C. The maximum storage time of mite at this temperature — 8 days. Under these storage conditions the viability of the biological material approaching the control indices. Migration activity remains at the level acceptable to use predators in greenhouses. That ensures efficient use of Ambliseius Swirskii as an agent of the biological control method.