Abstract

The whitefly, Aleuroclava jasmini (Takahashi) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an important pest on paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. (Moraceae) plants in green spaces of Tehran, Iran. The predator mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot is one of the most common species found in paper mulberry landscape and it is a major biological control agent of this pest. Knowledge of the impact of insecticides on predatory mites is crucial for integrated management programs of this whitefly. This study assessed, under laboratory conditions, the sublethal effect of acetamiprid on the life table parameters of A. swirskii fed on A. jasmini. The sublethal concentrations LC10, LC20 and LC30 were obtained based on a dose-effect test. Exposure to the sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid had significant effects on the total immature periods of both males and females. The total fecundity and oviposition period decreased with an increase in concentration. The estimated life table parameters indicated that sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid caused greater reduction in r, lambda and R-0 of A. swirskii compared to the control. Therefore, the use of acetamiprid to control of A. jasmini may have serious implications for integrated pest management programs that aimed at exploiting A. swirskii biological control in paper mulberry landscape.