Abstract
Studies were conducted to evaluate the life history parameters and predatory potential of a stigmaeid mite Agistemus buntex
Chaudhri against Tetranychus urticae Dufour at three constant temperatures viz., 20, 25 and 30°C. At 25°C, egg, larvae,
protonymph, deutonymph and egg to adult stages were completed in 7.36, 3.00 2.44, 2.34 and 15.14 days, respectively for
male, and 8.48, 3.98, 3.69, 3.52 and 19.67 days, respectively for the female. The development time was longer at other two
temperatures. Daily fecundity, total fecundity and sex ratio was much greater at 25°C compared to 20 and 30°C. The lower
development threshold was found to be 6.65 and 8.35°C for A. buntex female and male, respectively. Degree day requirements
(DD) for A. buntex were 346.02 DD for female and 250 DD for the male. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) of A. buntex
was recorded as 0.11 at 25°C. Finite rate of increase (λ) values for A. buntex were found to be 1.07, 1.12 and 1.11 at 20, 25
and 30°C respectively. From obtained results, it can be concluded that A. buntex can become a strong candidate for biological
control of T. urticae in Pakistan and elsewhere along-with other control strategies. The findings will serve as baseline
information to better understand the biology of the pest, which can be utilized in an effective management program.
