Two predatory mite species as potential control agents of broad mites

Abstract

The broad mite is a key pest of various crops worldwide, including chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens), where it is controlled with chemical pesticides. Two phytoseiid predators (Amblyseius herbicolus and Neoseiulus barkeri) and a blattisociid mite species (Lasioseius floridensis) occur in association with the broad mite in Brazil. Predation of broad mites and oviposition rates of A. herbicolus were higher than those of N. barkeri and lowest for L. floridensis. On intact plants, both phytoseiids controlled broad mite populations seven days after their release. In a separate experiment, the predators controlled broad mites on flowering plants during 15 days. After two months, plants with predators produced heavier fruits than plants without predators. Concluding, these two phytoseiid species can control broad mites on chili peppers plants at different densities and over time, reducing production losses, and should be evaluated under field conditions.