The influence of different maize varieties and treatments on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) (original) (raw)

Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the life-table parameters of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on leaves of four maize varieties: (1) transgenic Bt maize variety MON 88017 expressing Cry3Bb1 for control of Diabrotica spp., and protein CP4 EPSPS for a toleration of glyphosate-based herbicides, (2) isogenic variety treated with or without soil insecticide, (3) KIPOUS and (4) PR38N86. The latter two maize varieties were used as independent references. The leaves used in the experiments were collected in the field after flowering. The content of Cry protein was verified with an immunological ELISA test. Newly emerged larvae were individually placed on the upper surface of leaf discs placed on water saturated cotton in plastic Petri dishes. Survival of juveniles, developmental time and female fecundity was examined daily until the mites died. The longevity of adults was the longest and females oviposited the highest amount of eggs o...