<p class="Body"><strong>Effects of short-term heat stress on the development and reproduction of predatory mite <em>Neoseiulus barkeri</em> (Acari, Phytoseiidae)</strong></p>

The predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae), which is one of the best natural enemies, has been used as a biological control agent against multiple insect pests, such as spider mite, Tetranychus urticae and thrips. Its growth and development were affected by the environmental temperature changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the hatching rate of the eggs and the immature developmental times of N. barkeri after incubation of the eggs under heat stress at 38, 40 and 42℃, 85% ± 5% RH and a 16h:8h light: dark (L:D) photoperiod for 2, 4 and 6h. After adult females emerged, they were treated under the same conditions again, and the parameters such as oviposition period, fecundity and female longevity were observed. The results showed that with the increase of the temperature and the extension of the duration of the heat stress, the hatching rate was lower. The eggs treated at 42℃ for 2h or more could not hatch, and the developmental duration of each immature stage showed a trend of decreasing at first and then increasing. The fastest development was observed after incubation of eggs at 40℃ for 2h, and the shortest developmental duration was 4.60d. Under the condition of 38℃, the oviposition period and life span of adult females were shortened with the extension of treatment time, and the fecundity decreased at first and then increased. At 40℃, the fecundity, oviposition period and longevity of adult females showed a trend of gradual increase with the extension of treatment time. The shortest oviposition period, the lowest fecundity and the shortest life span of adult females were 12.14d, 18.92 eggs and 16.65d, respectively after incubation of eggs at 40℃, for 2h. Therefore, the short-term heat stress had a significant effect on the hatching rate and the duration of the immature stage, and also had a negative effect on the fecundity, oviposition period and longevity of adult females. In rearing and field release, heat stress should be avoided as much as possible to achieve the best predation and control effect of N. barkeri.