Biology of rice leaf mite, Oligonychus oryzae (Hirst) (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

Biology of Oligonychus oryzae was studied under laboratory condition using rice leaf bits. The immature stages were followed by short quiescent stages namely, nymphochrysalis, deutochrysalis and teliochrysalis. Male (9.87) recorded shorter developmental period from egg to adult compared to female (10.47). Both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction was recorded in O. oryzae. Progeny of mated female include male and female in the ratio 1: 3, while parthenogenetic female produced only male progeny. Pre-oviposition period of 0.89 and 1.02 days, oviposition period of 6.27 and 7.31 days and post oviposition period of 2.08 and 1.12 days were recorded, respectively for mated and unmated female. Mated and unmated female recorded fecundity of 21.27 and 17.18 eggs, respectively. Adult recorded longevity of 8.00 10.34 and 12.10 days, respectively for male, mated female and unmated female.