Thermotolerance in a spider mite: implications in disinfestation treatment

Tetranychus ludeni Zacher is a European spider mite species and an important invasive pest in horticulture. We investigated the effects of hot air on its survival reproduction, providing knowledge for development disinfestation programs using heat. tested how each life stage responded to heat treatments five temperatures (45 57°C) exposure durations (three 15 hours). showed that no eggs hatched after exposed 45°C ≥ hours, 48°C 12 or 51°C three hours; adults survived 54°C ≥12 hours 57°C six tolerance other stages fell between. Higher temperature longer time also reduced developmental success fecundity. These findings suggest we may be able eradicate mites all one treatment at two 10-day interval kill first those laid by second. The eradication strategy 51–57°C more suitable treating plant residues exported/imported machinery, farm equipment containers because it have negative impact fresh postharvest products. With substantially mites’ fecundity, particularly when younger were treated, products with could still greatly reduce quarantine risk this pest.