Predatory Mites

 Commonly used European and western country used that predatory mite.
 In especially green house crops to manage phytophagous mite along with thrips.
 Predatory mites deserve special mention in an agricultural country like India, where agriculture is always under threat of constant pest attack.
 Predatory mites of the family phytoseiidae constitute a highly significant beneficial group on account of their vital role in the maintenance of pest population below EIL.
 Predatory mites are now valued with growers worldwide as natural enemies that provide effective pest control in green house and on agricultural crops
 Phytoseiid mites have received global attention since the 1950’s.
 The species of Phytoseiidae are potentially important as a biotic factor in the control of phytophagous mites particularly Tetranychid and Eriophid mites.
 Mass multiplication

1. Presentation on PREDATORY MITES ENT 622 BIOLOGICAL INSECT PEST SUPPRESSION (2+1) Presenter KAMALRAJ G I.M.Sc (Ag) Entomology 1

2. Historical Remarks Use of MITES in pest control began in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1868 Shimer revealed the potential of Hemisarcoptes malus ( Hemisarcoptidae ) as a control agent of Lepidosaphes ulmi (L.) ( Diaspididae ) as it was able to significantly reduce the population of the pest The recognition of the benefit of H. malus for L. ulmi control lead to the export of this natural enemy (NE) to Canada in 1917 in order to reduce populations of this same pest 2

3. MITE AS BIOCONTROL-AGENT Acarine bio-control agents are voracious by nature and possess well-developed searching and dispersal mechanisms Many are fast runners and can be transported by wind also, some utilize their hosts for dispersal. Some locate their prey by kairomones Another important criterion, is their greater reproductive potential than that of their pests Many acarine agents are quite sensitive to prey density and do best when pest populations are strongly clumped Predatory mites may lay their eggs in protective locations (e.g. phytoseiids ) or where the hatched larvae (e.g. Pergamasus sp.) will have easy access to prey 3

4. Feeding Potential Of Predatory Mite Rahman et al observed the preference of Neoseiulus species when it fed on spider mites in the order viz. larvae > nymphs > eggs > adults They observed the fact that larvae and nymphs of mites fed in clusters , which make them relatively easy to handle by the predator. These studies indicated that the release of predatory mites at early stage of infestation targeting young stages of phytophagus mites increases the success rate of biological control. Predatory mite efficiency increased with advancement of developmental stage and the order of potency viz. adult female > deutonymph > protonymphs > adult male . Adult female was able feed on more number of prey for oviposition 4

5. HABITUS, HABITS, AND HABITAT OF MITES WITH REGARDS TO BC To establish a successful strategy using most effective NEs to achieve the objective to maintain an undesirable population in acceptable levels . Habitus It is the morphology related to the lifestyle and behavior This can lead us to consider that the lifestyle and the general appearance of a species habitus are correlated and useful in the search for an effective biological control Habit We need a predator behavior in a mite NE. Habitat It is the ecological area or environment where the organism communities live and prosper. A large variety of feeding habits, and due to its variety of habitats, they have adopted (predation, phytophagy , mycophagy , saprophagy ) 5

6. Mites Important to Agriculture Mites can be divided into seven orders Opilioacarida , Holothyrida , Ixodida , Mesostigmata , Trombidiformes , Sarcoptiformes , and Endeostigmata . 6

7. Trombidiformes One of the most important plant mites to agriculture ecosystems containing most of the phytophagous species. Families includes , Tetranychidae , Tarsonemidae , and Tenuipalpidae . It should also be noted the families Consisting of group predatory species. Stigmaeidae , Bdellidae , Cheyletidae , and Cunaxidae , 7

8. Sarcoptiformes It includes the important superfamily Eriophyoidea . Especially, plant feeder group also has some species that vector viruses . Mesostigmata In this order, there are many families of mites with a predatory habit that can assist in pest management, acting in the control of soil pests such as Phytoseiidae Ascidae , Macrochelidae , and Rodacaridae or the phylloplane , These mesostigmata group which contains species active in the control of pest mites as well as edaphic pests. 8

9. Families Associated With Plant Feeding Mites Phytoseiidae , Ascidae , Anystidae , Bdellidae , Cheyletidae , Cunaxidae , Erythraeidae , Eupalopsellidae , Raphignathidae , Stigmaeidae , Tydeidae , etc. Phytoseiid mites have several advantages over other predatory mites because of High fecundity, Abundant availability, Good searching ability, Dispersal rate, Adaptability to different ecological niches A high degree of prey specificity 9

10. Phytoseiidae Predatory mites belonging to the order Mesostigmata are the most important agents of biological control due to the wide diversity of habitus , habits, and habitats Since they can feed on a large number of species of small arthropods and nematodes as well as using alternative sources such as pollen, fungi, and plant exudates , among others . Its prey capture strategies are diversified, which provides ample possibility of use of its species. However , among all the families of Mesostigmata , the Phytoseiidae stands out. 10

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13. Stigmaied mites Probably next to phytoseiidae as far as predatory efficiency is concerned but these cannot run very fast, hence they are used for controlling slow moving mites and for destruction of mite eggs . Anystid mites Long legged, soft bodied, fast moving mites and start making a whirling movement as soon as touched. These are reared on tetranychids . Whirling mites feed on aphids Cunaxid mites Very strong with thorny mouthparts . They are efficient, fast moving predators which fasten their prey with silken threads secreted by their mouth parts . But their number is limited in nature 13

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15. Phytoseiid Mites Family Phytoseiidae Order Mesostigmata Phytoseiid mites are primary plant-inhabiting mites andnthey can be separated into four categories based on their lifestyles habits As the lifestyles are related to the preying habitus , habits, and habitats, they achieve the best performance. These categories are a relevant tool and can give us insights on the performance of a species in preying. These categories are listed below, Type I Type II Type III Type IV 15

16. Type I Specialized predators of Tetranychus spp ., and they are primarily from the Phytoseiulus genus All life function of the predators takes place in prey colonies subcategories, Ia ( Tetranychus spp . profuse webbing producers) restrict to Phytoseiulus spp., Ib ( Tetranychus spp. that produce a web-nest), and Ic ( Tydeoid mite predators) Type II Selective predators of tetranychid mites , not only Tetranychus spp. but also a wide range of acceptable prey mites. The genus Galendromus , few Neoseiulus , and some Typhlodromus species account for this type. Notably, the species Neoseiulus californicus is important in the biological control of mites worldwide 16

17. Type III Generalist predators with broad feeding habits. For example, many Neoseiulus , most Amblyseius and Thyphlodromus species, and Many other genera are included in Type III, which has five subdivisions based on their habitats: IIIa (lives in hairy leaves), IIIb (glabrous leaves), IIIc (confined spaces on dicotyledonous plants), IIId (confined spaces on monocotyledonous plants, and IIIe (soil and humus habitats). Type IV Pollen feeders and generalist phytoseiid predators. 17

18. Against Pests Of Agri -horticultural Crops And Stored Grain Phytoseiidae – Amblyseius channabasavannai , A. herbicolus , A. largoensis, Euseius alstoniae, E. finlandicus, E. ovalis, Neoseiulus fallacis , N. longispinosus , Scapulaseius suknaensis , Transeius tetranychivorus . (ii) Stigmaeidae – Agistemus   fleschneri, A. industani, Eryngiopus coimbatorensis (iii) Anystidae – Anystis baccarum (iv) Cunaxidae – Cunaxa setirostris (v) Iolinidae – Pronematus fleschneri (vi) Pyemotidae – Pyemotes tritici 18

19. Important predatory mites used in biological control in India 19

20. Phytoseiulus persimilis Target Pests Two Spotted Spider Mites, Pacific Spider Mite Use It is the most ferocious webbing spider mite predator known, but as a Type I predator these are their only prey. They can be identified by their long front legs and red bodies. Eat up to 35 food units of a spider mite egg or adult per day Laying 4-7 eggs per day. 20

21. Phytoseiulus persimilis can provide effective control of T. urticae in greenhouses The control is successful when they are introduced at the rate of one P. persimilis female per ten T. urticae females . In Bulgaria, spider mite populations are monitored and P. persimilis is introduced onto cucumbers at a predator:prey ratio of 1:20 when there are five to six spider mites per leaf and 20% leaf damage. This method has been successfully used against tetranychid mites. In curative control , timing and rate of predator release is important. Releasing too many predators may result in the lack of food for predators and releasing too few may result in poor control. 21

22. ( Amblyseius cucumeris ) Neoseiulus cucumeris Target Pests Thrip , All types and stages of Spider Mites, effective predator of some tarsonemid mites & whiteflies Do not produce webbing Can consume an average of 6.6 eggs, 1.9 first- instar larvae or 0.9 second- instar larvae of B. tabaci per day 22

23. It has also been tested against Bemisia tabaci in the laboratory. It can complete its development to the adult stage feeding on a combination of eggs and first- and second- instar larvae of B. tabaci with a high survival rate N. cucumeris has been used most successfully against thrips on vegetables and ornamentals in greenhouses. Often repeated releases and Optimum predator:prey ratios are required for adequate control. Neoseiulus cucumeris can keep Frankliniella occidentalis populations at a low level, but sometimes do not provide effective control, despite repeated releases. 23

24. Neoseiulus Californicus Target Pests Two Spotted Spider Mites, European Red Spider Mites, broad mite Use Type II phytoseiid species, mainly feeding on Tetranychus spider mites and also other mites and pollen. They can eat up to 30 units of food per day which gives you up to 6 predator eggs laid per day. The nymphs of N. californicus can attack 13 eggs of T. urticae and 11 eggs of T. cinnabarinus , consuming over 86% of the eggs are killed 24

25. Predatory mites S.No Predatory Mites Plant Feeding Mites 1 Amblyseius finlandicus Brevipalpus phoenicis , Eutetranychus orientalis 2 Alstoniae E. orientalis , Tetranychus macfarlanei , B. phoenicis 3 A. ( Neoseiulus ) fallacis T. urticae , Schizotetranychus and ropogoni 4 andersoni Panonychus ulmi , E. carpini , Colomerus vitis 5 A. ovalis Tetranychids 6 A. longispinosus T. cinnabarinus , T. ludeni eggs 7 tetranychivorus T. ludeni , R. indica 8 A. victoriensis T. urticae , Aculus cornutus , C. vitis 25

26. 10 Cunaxa setirostris Eutetranychus orientalis , Oligonychus sp., O. mangiferus , Schizotetranychus andropogoni 11 A. tamatavensis Polyphagotarsonemus latus 12 Phytoseiulus persimilis T. urticae , T. ludeni , T. fijiensis , T. neocaledonicus , Oligonychus indicus , Raoiella indica 13 Typhlodromus pyri T. urticae , Panonychus ulmi , C. vitis 14 Agistemus fleschmeri B. obovatus , tetranychids , Aceria mangiferae 15 A. herbarius O. mangiferus , T. urticae 16 Tencateia sp. Tetranychus spp., 17 A. terminalis Brevipalpus sp., Acaphylla theae 18 Zetzellia mali Panonychus ulmi , Aculus sp. 19 A. indicus T. urticae 26

27. Field Release Several species of predatory mites can be purchased through commercial suppliers. Select the predatory mite that best fits the pest management plan ( e.g.,target pest, greenhouse, etc.). Mites are usually shipped overnight in an insulated container with an ice pack to improve survivability. When the shipment is received it should be opened and inspected as soon as possible to determine whether the mites are still alive. The mites are typically combined with a carrier material , such as vermiculite , corncob dust, or sawdust A light spray of water on the application area will help the mites and carrier material stay in place when they are applied to the infested area. To avoid extreme heat or cold that can decrease predator success, apply them in the early morning or late evening. 27

28. References http://www.lea.esalq.usp.br/phytoseiidae/ https://benemite.com/collections/predatory-mites Rao , K. Sankara , Anju Padmanabhan , and R. Vishnupriya . "Recent update on the role of predatory mites in biological control programmes ."  Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences  9.3 (2018): 473-479. 28