EVALUATION OF 2 BIOTYPES OF EUSEIUS-SCUTALIS (ACARI, PHYTOSEIIDAE) AS PREDATORS OF BEMISIA-TABACI (HOMOPTERA, ALEYRODIDAE)

Two predaceous mite biotypes of Eusetus scutalis (Athias-Henriot) were evaluated as biological control agents of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). One biotype was originally collected on citrus in Morocco; the other was collected on lantana in Jordan. Both biotypes survived well on ice plant pollen, but their survival varied when fed various stages of B. tabaci. The Jordanian mite had longer survival when fed eggs or first or second instars of the whitefly. Eggs, folllowed by first instars, were the most suitable whitefly host stage fed to the mites; the least suitable stage was the second instar. Egg consumption by both mites showed preference for freshly laid eggs. Although the mean survival rate was 22.9 days, one Jordanian biotype survived 69 days when fed whitefly eggs. Oviposition periods did not extend beyond 16.6 days for either biotype. The Jordanian biotype showed higher fecundity, longer oviposition period, and longer survival when fed various stages of B. tabaci than the Moroccan biotype. Potential use of the Jordanian mite for biological control purposes appears promising for regulation of B. tabaci in California.