Strawberry, Fragaria ananasa Duchesne, is one of the most favorite fruits throughout the world and its commercial production is highly influenced by available nitrogen (N). Nitrogen improves plant quality but unfortunately also increases its serious pest, Tetranychus urticae Koch. So, life table parameters and population growth rate of two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) were compared with four nitrogen concentrations (namely, 0, 50, 80 and 100% of the recommended N level) on strawberries under greenhouse condition. The 100% nitrogen application resulted in enhancing the protein and decreasing phenol content of the host plants. Also the mite's intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the instantaneous rate of increase (ri) reached their maximum (0.234 and 0.26, respectively). The plants received the 80% and lower N showed a decrease in protein content and higher phenol content causing a significant decrease in TSSM's rm (0.218–0.202) and ri (0.24–0.22). Manipulating the N content in fertilization programs of strawberries as a strategy in integrated pest management is discussed.
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Systematic and Applied Acarology
Vol. 21 • No. 7
July 2016
Vol. 21 • No. 7
July 2016