Host preference, acaricides effects and population growth of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on white and colored cotton cultivars

BACKGROUND White and colored fiber cotton cultivars have been developed to increase production and opportunities for family farming. The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) is an important pest in cotton crops, nevertheless, different cotton cultivars may influence its host selection and population growth. For P. latus control, acaricides application is commonly performed, although less is known about the sublethal effects of these products. Thus, the host preference and instantaneous rate of increase (ri) of P. latus were evaluated on white and colored cotton cultivars, as well as the lethal and sublethal effects of acaricides through mortality tests and population growth. RESULTS In free‐choice tests to evaluate host preference among white and colored cotton cultivars, no preference was observed for P. latus. The instantaneous ri values were positive for all tested cultivars, however, differences were observed between the colored BRS Rubi and the white BRS 201. The population growth of P. latus decreased with increasing concentrations of the acaricides abamectin, spirodiclofen, azadirachtin and spiromesifen. Nevertheless, azadirachtin and spiromesifen presented positive ri values even at the highest lethal concentrations (LC90), while abamectin and spirodiclofen provided negative ri values of P. latus from LC90 and LC70, respectively. CONCLUSION No host preference of P. latus was observed among white and colored cotton cultivar. Abamectin and spirodiclofen presented relevant sublethal effects that should be considered for the integrated management of this pest. Instantaneous rate of population growth of P. latus in cotton treated with different acaricides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry