The effects of short?term heat stress on functional response of <i>Neoseiulus barkeri</i> to <i>Tetranychus urticae</i>

The predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is typically used for biocontrol of Tetranychus urticae on strawberries. However, its biological characteristics are greatly affected by temperature in hot summer days. In this study, the influence different short-term heat stresses functional response and prey consumption unmated female N. three stages (egg, protonymph adult) T. was evaluated. Three temperatures (38, 40 42°C), duration (2, 4 6 hr), eight densities (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 24 individuals), (85 ± 5) % RH a 16-hr: 8-hr (L:D) photoperiod were during 24-hr period experiments. results showed that eggs could not hatch at 42°C type II determined adult females all treatments using logistic regression analysis. had highest attack rate 1.029, 2.044 0.913 hr-1 25°C lowest value 0.585, 0.973 0.498 40°C, hr. On contrary, handling time predator prolonged when increased from to 40°C maximum level observed hr (0.126, 0.153 0.172 hr). Our study indicated effects stress negative predation ability should be avoided as much possible achieve best control effect indoor rearing field release.