Evaluation of the Predatory Function of Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Neoseiulus barkeri on Frankliniella occidentalis on Pepper and the Effect of Their Combined Application

doi:10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2025.09.021

Abstract

Abstract: Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips) is a globally key pest that causes severe damage to crops. As the control efficiency of a single natural enemy species against F. occidentalis is limited, this study evaluated the combined predatory potential of Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Neoseiulus barkeri against F. occidentalis by investigating their functional responses and field control efficiency. The results showed that the daily predation rates of both predatory mites increased with prey density in a negatively accelerating manner before stabilizing, conforming to the Holling type II model. The maximum control capacities (a/T_h) of female S. scimitus adults against prepupae and pupae of F. occidentalis were 5.786 and 5.314, respectively, while those of female and male N. barkeri adults against the 1^st instar nymphs were 15.348 and 4.809. Field experiments demonstrated that the treatment with the sole release of N. barkeri achieved the highest control efficiency of 46.46%, while the sole release of S. scimitus yielded a maximum efficiency of 41.28%. In contrast, the combined release of N. barkeri and S. scimitus resulted in the highest control efficiency of 82.99%. In all treatments, the combined application of N. barkeri and S. scimitus achieved superior control efficiency compared to either species alone, ranked as N. barkeri + S. scimitus > N. barkeri > S. scimitus. These findings indicate that the combined use of S. scimitus and N. barkeri exhibits strong potential for the integrated management of F. occidentalis.

Key words: predatory mites, pepper, Frankliniella occidentalis, predatory function, combined application

CLC Number:

S476.2

BI Sijin, GAO Tianxiang, YANG Li, CAI Yaling, HUANG Yaohua, ZHANG Zhike, WU Shengyong, ZHANG Yannan, WANG Endong. Evaluation of the Predatory Function of Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Neoseiulus barkeri on Frankliniella occidentalis on Pepper and the Effect of Their Combined Application[J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control, 2026, 42(2): 388-395.

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