Predatory mites — Phytoseiidae
Phytoseiidae are the main family of predatory mites used in agriculture. The basis of the nutrition of individuals are phytophagous pests, due to which they are classified as useful entomophages in the agricultural sector. In addition to insects, this species destroys other types of phytophagous mites, due to which it is also classified as an acariphage. There are about 2 thousand species belonging to this family, some of which we will consider further as the most useful and common in agriculture.
Predatory mites of Phytoseiidae are tiny creatures that are difficult even to see without additional optical equipment, and even more so to identify. Their sizes range from 0.2-0.8 mm, depending on the type. Make it simple, the structure of the phytoseids consists in the presence of a body divided into two parts — the abdomen and cephalothorax and 4 pairs of legs, characteristic of Arachnids. Despite the micro size, these predators are quite voracious and some species can consume up to 2 dozen phytophagous mites per day.
Agronomists often use these predators as a biomethod to protect plants from a wide range of pests. Phytoseiidae are polyphages, which is a favourable factor when using it in a complex fight against several types of phytophages at once. Predatory mites are quite resistant to conditions of different climates, the operating temperature range ranges from +15 to +40 degrees Celsius. Some species are ready for settlement already at +12 deg. C in order to contribute to the development of early crops.
Among the potential victims of the predator are such dangerous and well-known pests as: whiteflies, thrips, spider mite, strawberry mite, russet tomato mite, larvae of the fungus gnat (Sciaridae).
Phytoseiidae are effectively used on greenhouse and field crops.
Considering that Phytoseiidae are used as a means of biological protection of plants, you will not have to catch them with your hands to save the harvest. This type is produced and sold in convenient packaging. Usually these are tubes with bran in which 20-50 thousand individuals live. The tubes are equipped with dispensers, it is enough to simply pour a portion of vermiculite onto the plant to settle the predator. For large volumes, there are other types of packaging for 100-250 thousand individuals.
The most famous and useful representatives of predatory mites include:
- Amblyseius swirskii. It is a predator that has been successfully fighting pests in greenhouses for more than ten years, so it is known to many. It has proven itself as an effective method and is one of the most popular on the market. Destroys whitefly and thrips, simultaneously eating spider mites.
- Amblyseius andersoni is primarily an effective way to fight spider mites, which this acariphage specialises in. But we should not forget that the species is a polyphage and the total list of victims is much larger. The advantages also include a wide range of operating temperatures +15.. +41 C.
- Amblyseius montdorensis. It is a small but voracious representative of the Phytoseiidae. Despite the fact that this representative has a slightly smaller size, unlike its relatives, it affects more of the pest than, for example, Amblyseius cucumeris. The priority victim is thrips, which indirectly controls the spider mite.
- Neoseiulus cucumeris is a universal predator against thrips, whitefly and spider mite. Together with Swirskii, it has been used in greenhouses for many years and continues to prove its effectiveness. It begins its activity already at +12C, which makes it the optimal solution for regions with a temperate climate and early crops.
- Neoseiulus californicus, although a polyphage, like the rest of the species, has a rather narrow specialisation. Among the predator’s victims, the spider mite clearly stands out.
- Phytoseiulus persimilis. It is pronounced oligophage. The main prey of the predator are representatives of the family of spider mites. Phytoseiulus feeds on mites at all stages of development. The predator lacks diapause, so it is active all year round in greenhouse conditions. This species is an active predator capable of coping with a large colony of spider mites. One of the advantages is the ability to actively eat even in areas with a large amount of cobwebs. The Phytoseiulus is adapted to manoeuvring along the web left by the spider mite.
- Hypoaspis miles, unlike other representatives, belong to the family of Laelapidae. It is used against Sciaridae (fungus gnat) and other inhabitants of the soil or substrate. They are among the long-livers, on average they live 40 days with a maximum of 80 days. Incompatible with the use of soil insecticides.
Conclusion
Predatory mites have proven themselves as an effective and environmentally friendly method of fighting dangerous pests. Thanks to this, biomethod is becoming an increasingly popular way of protecting plants every year.