Temperature dependent development and temperature thresholds of Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Diptilomiopidae)

[Display omitted] •Temperature effect on development of R. ficifoliae was studied.•The estimated intrinsic optimum temperature for developmental stages was 23.72 °C.•The real development in field condition was described by SSI model.•In the temperature range of 15 to 28.20 °C, can rely to obtained developmental rate at constant temperatures. The effects of temperature on developmental rate of Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Diptilomiopidae) were determined at six constant temperatures (17, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 36 °C) on fig leaves. The total developmental time of females decreased as temperature increased from 17 (21.62 days) to 33 °C (6.02 days), and then increased at 36 °C (6.47 days). Using the ordinary and Ikemoto and Takai (2000) linear models the estimated lower temperature thresholds (Tmin) for total developmental time of females were 10.78 and 10.37 °C and the constant temperatures (k) were 140.25 and 144.78°-days (DD), respectively. Data also were fitted to SSI nonlinear temperature-dependent model. The estimated TL, intrinsic optimum temperature (TФ) and Th for total immature stages of females by SSI model were 11.11, 23.72 and 37.98 °C, respectively. With use of the obtained data from rearing R. ficifoliae under constant temperatures in laboratory and temperature data in Khorramabad region in 2017, the real developmental rate of this mite in natural conditions was described. The highest (100%) and lowest values (51.67%) of survival rate for immature stages were found at 25 and 36 °C, respectively. The presented information could be used to predict the population dynamics of main pest R. ficifoliae for an effective management.