Biological control of mites in European vineyards and the impact of natural vegetation

Abstract

In vineyards, generalist phytoseiids are important in keeping phytophagous mites at economically acceptable levels. Among these predators, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans have proven to be most effective, because they increase in numbers in response to mite pests and alternative prey/food, they persist under conditions of prey scarcity, and they can tolerate several fungicides and insecticides. Natural colonization of commercial vineyards by phytoseiids may take several years. Therefore, strains showing field resistance to certain insecticides (e.g., organophosphates) and fungicides (e.g., mancozeb) are of practical interest. Here we report results obtained with releasing T. pyri and K. aberrans strains with different pesticide histories, with emphasis on factors affecting their persistence, i.e., alternative food availability (pollen or downy mildew), leaf morphology, and selective pesticides. Natural vegetation surrounding vineyards may impact the densities of phytoseiids in neighbouring crops. For example, phytoseiid densities on plants surrounding vineyards under IPM in Southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon) were correlated with leaf structures, and K. aberrans density appeared positively affected by high trichome densities and presence of domatia. Also pollen density was significantly correlated with trichome density and domatia (hair tufts). Predatory mites disperse mainly by air currents and hence their dispersion depends on wind intensity and direction. Crop colonization potential (speed, intensity, uniformity) was directly associated with phytoseiid densities and the proximity of natural vegetation. A deep, dense, and tall woody area with suitable host plants constitutes the stablest source of phytoseiids. Natural colonization of vineyards by phytoseiid mites has great potential and it may well be promoted by careful management.