This study was conducted to determine whether trichome density affects the oviposition behavior of adult female Tetranychus urticae Koch on host plant leaves. Experiments were conducted with twenty replications on the leaf discs of each plant (Pear, 'Niitaka'; Apple, 'Fuji'; Strawberry, 'Meahyang'; 3cm diameter) at 25℃, 60-70% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. One female T. urticae was placed on each disc. The number and locations of laid eggs were recorded at 24 h intervals until T. urticae died. The trichomes were distributed along the midrib of abaxial surface of pear leaves but were evenly distributed on that of apple and strawberry leaves. Eggs were mostly laid along the midrib of pear leaf disc, but eggs were laid not only along the midrib but also randomly over the leaf disc of apple and strawberry. Therefore, it appeared that T. urticae preferred to lay eggs on the specific location where trichomes were densely distributed. Further study is needed to quantify how different distribution patterns of T. urticae eggs on different plant leaves affect the efficacy of predatory mites to control T. urticae.

• YongJun Kwon(Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• JeongJoon Ahn(Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• TaeGyun Kim(Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• Joon-Ho Lee(Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)