DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2015.28
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1388
Date of Award
3-2015
Degree Name
MS in Agriculture - Plant Protection Science
Department/Program
Horticulture and Crop Science
Advisor
David Headrick
Abstract
Phytoseiids were collected March through November, 2006 and 2007, from leaf samples of avocados, cherimoya, caneberry, grape, and strawberry from a combined total of 24 sites. The most diverse collection of phytoseiids was identified on grape with seven different genera and 12 different species followed by caneberry with 7 genera and 7 species. Strawberry was the least diverse with three genera and three different species. The most significant presence of type I and type II phytoseiids were located on caneberry and strawberry while avocado, cherimoya and grape were dominated by type IV species. Reasons for the difference in diversity could be attributed to the availability of preferred hosts, alternate food sources, and the effectiveness of augmentative releases and pesticide applications.