Cold acclimation reduces predation rate and reproduction but increases cold- and starvation tolerance in the predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer Canestrini

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2017 Source:Biological Control Author(s): Kim Jensen, Torsten N. Kristensen, Johannes Overgaard, Søren Toft, Jesper G. Sørensen, Martin Holmstrup Ectotherms respond to their thermal environments by physiological acclimation, which increases tolerance to thermal extremes and may increase field performance. However, acclimation often has costs, and increased performance in some traits may be associated with reduced performance in other traits due to trade-offs. We investigated effects of thermal acclimation on predation, reproduction, starvation tolerance, and locomotor activity in the predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer Canestrini at 10, 15, and 20°C after seven days of exposure to either of the same three temperatures, following rearing at 20°C. To test for effects of cold acclimation on cold tolerance, another set of mites were acclimated at each of the three temperatures over four days including an additional group at 5°C, and survival was assayed following a 24h exposure to -2°C. Our results showed highest cold- and starvation tolerance but lowest predation and reproduction across test temperatures in mites acclimated to 10°C. These relationships were intermediate after 15°C acclimation and opposite after 20°C acclimation. Locomotor activity was unaffected by acclimation temperature. Since predation and reproduction of G. aculeifer are lowered across temperatures after cold acclimation, we recommend keeping cul...
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research