Low-lethality strategies: Impacts on Panonychus citri transgenerational fitness and Neoseiulus californicus effectiveness

Background: The study explores the use of botanical pesticides as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic methods for controlling citrus red mites and biological pests, comparing their sublethal effects on Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Results: The study showed that lowlethal (LC ₃₀ ) exposure to oils significantly reduced the fecundity rate of the F ₀ and F ₁ generations of P. citri , similar to synthetic chemicals. VO (Soybean oil) and ES (EnSpray) were more effective in reducing developmental stages and population life parameters. All population life parameters were significantly reduced in all treatments compared to the control. VO accelerated population growth over time. Chemical combinations had synergistic effects against F2 generations, except for VO: ES and ES: ABA (Abamectin). The next generation population of VO and ES were better perfume compared to SYP (SYP-9625) and ABA in terms of attractiveness, prey consumption, and fecundity rate. The greenhouse study revealed that N. californicus displays repellent behavior towards treated plantations, increasing with predatory mite density, with synthetic chemicals having a significant sublethal effect. Conclusion: The study found that synthetic chemicals, such as ABA and SYP, caused faster adult mortality and higher lethality in Panonychus citri and Neoseiulus californicus . These chemicals also significantly reduced fecundity, adult longevity, and egg hatchability in the parental generation, with SYP being the most effective. The above results showed that exposure to oils significantly reduced the fertility rate of P. citri , similar to synthetic chemicals. VO and ES decreased developmental stages in the F ₁ generation, accelerated population expansion in the F ₂ generation, and increased prey consumption toward VO and ES of N. californicus . The study emphasizes the need for balancing efficacy and environmental safety in acaricide development and application.