Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Astigmata: Acaridae) as natural enemy for wood boring pest, Psiloptera fastuosa F. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in tropical tasar

Abstract

In tasar silkworm culture the stem-boring jewel beetle Psiloptera fastuosa Fabr. (Buprestidae: Coleoptera) is considered as a major pest of tasar plant (Terminalia arjuna, Combretaceae) cultivation. The grubs of P. fastuosa often damage the Arjuna stem by causing dieback. Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) infested buprestid eggs up to 15% and caused egg mortality up to 9%. The mite predation on the buprestid beetle is reported for the first time. The mite seeps the newly-laid egg-fluids causing the egg mortality suggesting that tasar plant stem-boring pest (P. fastuosa) can be partially controlled by the mite as a natural enemy.