Infrared radiation, as a physical control method on Tetranychus urticae Koch. Under laboratory circumstances

Abstract

Spider mite, Tetranychus urticae is one of the most important pests of many species of economically important crops. The present investigation was conducted to determine effect of abamectin and activity infrared radiation (IR) on certain biological aspects of T. urticae. Thus, laboratory experiments were conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Plant Protection Research Institute, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The data menationd that avermectin was the most toxic compound against spider mite eggs, as it caused hatchability of eggs estimated by 11.45% hatchability followed by IR (exposure 3 h, 15.35%), whereas, exposure for 1 and 2 h was the less activity in eggs hatching (42.60 and 18.30% hatchability, respectively) compared to the control (82.91% hatchability). Furthermore, the overall mean% mortality when a immature individuals (mobile stages) is exposed to IR was 68.30, 59.10, 47.30 and 18.80% mortality of abamectin, 3 h, 2 h and 1 h, respectively compared to the control. Also, affects IR on% mortality of adults the overall mean is estimated at 56.25% mortality and 48.80% mortality at abamectin and 3 h, respectively. While, overall mean the lowest percentage mortality estimated by 24.00% and 43.80% at 1 h and 2 h, respectively. Also, has a high activity on egg deposition when an adult is exposed to infrared radiation for 3 h with 15.75 eggs compared to the control (54.00 eggs) after 4 days post treatment. General, the effect on the mite was no significant different. This study may be helpful in minimize use of Acaricides and modifications of some available control options to prevent damage of the infestation of T. urticae and application infrared radiation in IPM programs in green house.