Amblyseius Andersoni Research Articles

Ecologo-faunistic review of tetranychid (Acariformes: Tetranychoidea) and phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in the Transcarpathian Region, Ukraine</p >

The results of long-term research on tetranychid and phytoseiid mites in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine are summarized. Transcarpathian Tetranychoidea are represented by 28 species from 10 genera, and the same list for Phytoseiidae included 49 species from 11 genera. For 77 species of mites from 21 genera, species composition, abundance, trophic specialization, and biotopic distribution in different altitudinal zones of Transcarpathia, Ukraine was analysed. Ten species of tetranychid mites (Bryobia rubrioculus, Tetranyhus horridus, Amphytetranyhus viennensis, Eotetranycuus carpini, E. quercicola, Neotetranychus rubi, Oligonychus ununguis, Panonychus ulmi, T. turkestani and T. urticae), and 11 species of phytoseiid mites (Neoseiulus umbraticus, Kampimodromus aberrans, Amblyseius andersoni, A. rademacheri, Euseius ucrainicus, Dubininellus echinus, D. juvenis, Typhloctonus aceri, T. tuberculatus, Anthoseius (A.) rhenana and A. (A.) clavata) were common to all three studied altitudinal zones. The species diversity of tetranychids was highest in the lowlands (23 species), slightly lower in the foothills (19 species), and the lowest in the mountain zone (11 species). For phytoseiid mites, it was the highest in the foothills (38 species), 25 in the lowlands and 21 in mountains. Among the tetranychids, the transzonal species A. viennensis retained its dominant status in all altitudinal zones. In the lowland, the highest rates of occurrence and dominance indices were observed for the species B. rubrioculus and T. turkestani, and in the foothills—for P. ulmi and T. horridus. The species composition of mites in the lowlands and mountains varied the most for both predators and phytophagous mites. Among the tetranychids, the most striking marker species in the mountains were P. ulmi and N. rubi. Only in the mountains were found such phytoseiid species as N. alidis, N. montanus, T. runiacus, T. mutatus, and A. salviae, which could thus be considered strictly mountainous. All of them have fragmented habitats and are tied to mountainous regions. In that altitudinal zone, an exceptionally high occurrence rate and dominance index were established for N. montanus among the phytoseiids. This is most probably due to significantly greater differences in the temperature and humidity regimes and range of host plants and, for predatory mites, prey species. The results of this study provide additional information about the structure of the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites in the natural zones of the mountain landscape and changes in the composition of the communities under the influence of environmental factors and the forage base, which is a consequence of the altitudinal distribution of the investigated biocenoses.

New records of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) in New Zealand, with notes on the occurrence status of some species</p >

This study contributes to the extensive history of research on the family Phytoseiidae in New Zealand, covering nearly a century. We examined phytoseiid specimens in the major repositories, unveiling fifteen species new to New Zealand: Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), A. waltersi Schicha, A. williamsi Schicha, Australiseiulus australicus (Womersley), Euseius elinae (Schicha), Graminaseius graminis (Chant), G. sturti (Schicha), Neoseiulus alpinus (Schweizer), N. californicus (McGregor), N. dieteri (Schicha), N. tareensis (Schicha), Proprioseiopsis anthurii (Schicha), P. cabonus Schicha & Elshafie, P. okanagensis (Chant) and Typhlodromus transvaalensis (Nesbitt), and clarifying the presence or absence status of some species in the country. Additionally, we analysed the diversity and distribution of species in New Zealand, presenting an updated checklist of phytoseiid species in the country.

Impact of occurrence of Amblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on two native phytoseiid (Mesostigmata) mites in a Japanese apple (Rosacaea) orchard

Abstract In 2014, Amblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae), was newly discovered in apple (Rosacaea) orchards in central Japan. In 2022, I found A. andersoni on leaves in an apple orchard in northern Japan. Amblyseius andersoni had been not observed in the orchard until at least 2018; only Neoseiulus womersleyi and Typhlodromus vulgaris (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), both of which are native to Japan, had been observed on apple leaves. To understand the impact of A. andersoni on the two phytoseiid mite species, I compared the seasonal occurrences of the phytoseiid species and of Tetranychus urticae (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) in the orchard in 2018 and 2022. In both years, T. urticae numbers increased from mid-July to early August and then rapidly decreased with increasing N. womersleyi numbers. Mean total occurrence numbers of N. womersleyi and of T. urticae did not differ significantly between the two years. Amblyseius andersoni occurrence therefore likely had little impact on seasonal N. womersleyi occurrence. In contrast, in 2018, many T. vulgaris individuals were observed from August onwards, when T. urticae numbers had decreased, but T. vulgaris was seldom observed in 2022, although many A. andersoni were, suggesting that A. andersoni likely displaced T. vulgaris in the apple orchard.

The indigenous species of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents of plant pests in Slovenia

Phytoseiid mites are of great importance for the biological control of spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. In this article, we present six species of predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae, which are included in the list of indigenous organisms for biological control in Slovenia. These species are Amblyseius andersoni, Neoseiulus californicus, N. barkeri, N. cucumeris, Euseius gallicus, and Typhlodromus pyri. Being included in the list mentioned above, these species have great potential to be used in biological control and are technically qualified sources for the management of several pest species in agricultural production in Slovenia. Detailed information about the feeding habits, food preferences, and biological control potentials of these species is presented herein.

Diet type and prey preference of predators affect intraguild predation between Amblyseius andersoni and Neoseiulus barkeri

Amblyseius andersoni and Neoseiulus barkeri, two species of phytoseiid mites that are widely used for the control of small sucking pests, were found to co-occur on Chinese wolfberry in Inner Mongolia. We investigated the possibility of intraguild predation (IGP) between A. andersoni and N. barkeri to explore the interactions and coexistence of these two species. Predation and oviposition of the two predators on heterospecific juveniles were measured and compared with Tetranychus truncatus or Typha pollen as food, or without alternative food. The mortality rate of N. barkeri juveniles was not affected by the diet treatment, but that of A. andersoni juveniles was reduced by the presence of spider mites. The presence of spider mites also increased oviposition by A. andersoni but not by N. barkeri, and the presence of pollen had no influence on the oviposition of the two predators. Thus, according to the IGP criteria for gaining benefits from predation on heterospecific juveniles, it was concluded that IGP between A. andersoni and N. barkeri occurred, with A. andersoni as intraguild predator and N. barkeri as intraguild prey when spider mites were present. In a further choice test in which heterospecific juveniles and T. truncatus juveniles were provided for each predator, female A. andersoni preferred to prey on N. barkeri rather than on spider mites, whereas female N. barkeri preferred to feed on spider mites rather than on A. andersoni. These findings indicate that the higher preference of N. barkeri on T. truncatus might result in its lower predation on the other predator species compared with A. andersoni and, thus, increased the possibility of the coexistence of the two predator species. Therefore, the occurrence of IGP between A. andersoni and N. barkeri appears to be influenced by the availability and type of the diet and the prey preference of the predators.

New records of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on solanaceous plants in the Syrian coastal region

Phytoseiid mites have been considered the most promising predators for the control of pest mites and small insects. Their use in solanaceous crops for the biological control of major mite pests represents an important challenge and requires continued research. This study aimed at investigating the phytoseiid species and their associated phytophagous mites on eggplant (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) in the Syrian coastal region between 2018 and 2020, at 40 sites. A total of 12 species of the three subfamilies (Amblyseiinae Muma, Phytoseiinae Berlese, and Typhlodrominae Scheuten) were collected, with Amblysiinae being the most represented. Among them, Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) is a new record for the Syrian fauna. Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot was the most abundant (223 specimens; 47.3%) and frequent (found in 22 out of 40 sites) species collected on all plant species surveyed and the only common phytoseiid species in greenhouses. The second most abundant species was Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (83 specimens: 17.6%), while the second most frequent was Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga (8 sites). Species found in this study should be considered in future research on phytoseiid mites as biological control agents of pests of tomato and eggplant cultivated in greenhouses and open fields in this region.

Species Composition and Seasonal Abundance of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Inhabiting Aesculus hippocastanum (Sapindaceae)

Species of the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) inhabit a wide range of herbs, shrubs, and trees. Horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, is an important ornamental tree in Europe and, in addition to its importance for pollinators, it can serve as a host plant of these predatory mites. Little is, however, known about the factors affecting spatiotemporal variability in the density of phytoseiids on A. hippocastanum in an urban environment. We therefore assessed the species composition and the spatial and seasonal variability in the abundance of Phytoseiidae species in the city of České Budějovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic. Compound-leaf samples were randomly collected from horse chestnut tree branches at eight sites, five times during the vegetation season in 2013. The mites were collected by washing technique and mounted on slides for identification. In total, 13,903 specimens of phytoseiid mites were found, and eight species were identified: Amblyseius andersoni, Euseius finlandicus, Kampimodromus aberrans, Neoseiulella tiliarum, Phytoseius macropilis, Paraseiulus talbii, Paraseiulus triporus, and Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) pyri. The predominant species was E. finlandicus (96.25%). The mean number of mites per compound leaf was 2.53, 10.40, 23.54, 11.59, and 9.27 on the sampling dates in each month between May and September, respectively. The results further revealed that the mite abundance varied significantly among sampling sites and that it was negatively related to percentage of greenery area, intensity of greenery care, distance to water body, and density and age of horse chestnut trees, while it was positively related to air pollution index. The importance of leaf micromorphology for the attractiveness of A. hippocastanum to Phytoseiidae is discussed.

The impact of entomophages on the population dynamics of major greenhouse cucumber pests

AbstractThe potentially effective use of entomophages against melon aphid, spider mite, tobacco thrips, and greenhouse whitefly has been demonstrated. The release rates of several entomophages have been proposed for protecting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants from the aforementioned pests. The predatory mites Amblyseius montdorensis Schicha, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) were used to control the populations of thrips and greenhouse whiteflies. The dose of these entomophagous species applied was 8 to 10 individuals m–2 per plant every 3 wk. To fight spider mite, the predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot was used at the rate of 1 individual m–2 every 3 wk as a preventive measure. The parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck was released to suppress melon aphid (A. gossypii). The long‐term observations of the population dynamics of pests and the use of natural enemies to manage pests at the local level will enable us to adjust the dose of entomophages applied depending on the geographical location of the greenhouse facility, the regional climatic conditions, and weather conditions typical of certain years, etc. According to these factors, the results of this study are applicable to other greenhouse facilities with similar conditions. In future, the authors intend to elucidate an optimized method of using entomophagous species for farms located in warmer regions.

Evaluation of Phytoseiid and Iolinid Mites for Biological Control of the Tomato Russet Mite Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae).

Our search for a suitable biological agent to control the tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici, was initiated in 2013. Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius andersoni, and Neoseiulus fallacis showed a promising pest reduction potential in a curative control strategy. Although these beneficials had a low survival on tomato and were not able to eradicate the pest, plants did not present typical TRM damage. However, their inability to establish in the tomato crop means that their commercial use would require repeated introductions, making their use too expensive for growers. Other predatory mites in the survey, such as the iolinids Homeopronematus anconai and Pronematus ubiquitus, showed the potential for a preventative strategy as they can establish and reach high densities on tomato with weekly or biweekly provision of Typha angustifolia pollen as a food source. When the tomato crop was adequately colonized by either iolinid, the development of TRM and any damage symptoms could be successfully prevented. The potential of iolinid predatory mites for biological control of eriophyids is discussed.

Evaluation of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents of Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on citrus

Amblyseius andersoni and Amblyseius swirskii are used to control the citrus pest Eutetranychus orientalis. Field experiments were conducted in Marrakech region for two months (November and December) in 2018 to evaluate the control effect of these predator species releases. In the control of E. orientalis population, Amblyseius andersoni with100 mites/tree reduced the densities under 3 motiles/leaf, while rates of 25 and 50 mites/tree these were maintained between 8.93 and 4.76 motiles per leaves, and between 12.16 and 4.33 eggs per leaves 5 and 6 weeks after treatment (WAT). Nevertheless, Amblyseius swirskii showed moderate performance, especially with 100 mites/tree densities ranged between 3.45 and 3.52 motiles per leaves, and between 14.8 and 9.46 eggs per leaves 5 and 6 WAT. The combination of both predators showed no significant difference to the former results. In summary, the two predators showed the potential to control E. orientalis in Moroccan citrus.

World experience in the production and use of phytoseiid mites

This review discusses various aspects of biology, production and application of phytoseiid mites in plant protection. Phytoseiids are one of the most widely used groups of natural enemies for biological control in greenhouses. Currently, 45 species are available on the market; many of them are produced in weekly amounts of tens of millions. The most popular biocontrol agents are omnivorous species Neoseiulus cucumeris, N. barkeri, Amblyseius andersoni, A. swirskii, Typhlodromus pyri, and T. montdorensis. They control wide range of pests but have no strong food preferences. As a result, they are used mostly in inundative augmentation, which means instant releases of large numbers of of individuals. Entomophages of this group quickly develop resistance to pesticides in the field, which opens up opportunities for selecting resistant lines. The review also talks about the introduction and maintenance of predator populations in greenhouses, including the use of banker plants.

Airborne pollen can affect the abundance of predatory mites in vineyards: implications for conservation biological control strategies.

BACKGROUNDThe importance of pollen as alternative food for generalist phytoseiid mites occurring in vineyards has been investigated in northeastern Italy. We compared pollen and phytoseiid abundance in four vineyards and in plots located at different distance from flowering hop plants. Pollen (Carpinus betulus and Typha spp.) was sprayed onto the foliage to evaluate the potential impact of this food source on predatory mite abundance. Finally, grass management was investigated to analyze the effect of a reduced mowing frequency on predatory mite population densities.RESULTSArboreal pollen was found mostly during the spring and the grapevine blossoming period. Nonarboreal pollen dominated throughout the growing seasons. In vineyards, the abundance of Amblyseius andersoni, Kampimodromus aberrans, Phytoseius finitimus, Typhlodromus pyri eggs and motile forms increased after a phase of large pollen availability. Hop pollen promoted K. aberrans population increases in vineyards. Pollen applications increased predatory mite egg and motile form densities and similar effects were obtained by reducing mowing frequency in vineyards.CONCLUSIONPollen availability positively affects the biology of four phytoseiid species, promoting stable predatory mite populations in vineyards. However, natural pollen availability and predatory mite abundance often decrease in summer, and pollen supply can mitigate this trend. A higher pollen availability could be guaranteed by inserting hedges comprising species having scalar bloom, reducing mowing of inter‐row groundcover and spraying pollen. The presence of flowering plants surrounding vineyards and in their inter‐rows should be considered as a relevant factor to enhance the success of biocontrol tactics against phytophagous mites in viticulture.

Mites from the family Phytoseiidae as an element of an anti-resistant strategy for protecting fruit plantations from spider mites

In the last decade, the acarocomplex of apple orchards in the plain-steppe zone of the Crimea was dominated by two species of mites, fam. Tetranychidae - Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) and Panonychus ulmi (Koch). Their share in the complex of phytophagous mites was 52.5 and 32.0%, respectively. Against the background of repeated acaricidal treatments during the season, the emergence of resistant races of phytophagous mites was recorded. The proposed anti-resistant strategy for controlling the number of spider mites on an apple tree involves the use of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot), Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant). The combination of methods of seasonal colonization by phytoseiids serves as the building blocks of an anti-resistant defense system.Resettlement in the spring, by flooding, of two species of acariphages, P. persimilis and A. andersoni , contributes to the formation of acarofauna, so that while the first species reduces the number of phytophagous mites (by 50-60%), the second adapts and starts feeding later, and, at the expense of daughter individuals, it allows to reduce the number of pests by the end of the second decade of June to 2-3 individuals / leaf. In summer, a double release of the predatory mite N. californicus with a norm of 30 thousand individuals / ha (150-300 individuals / every 10 trees) reduces the risk of mass reproduction of spider mites at high average daily temperatures and low humidity.

Integrated taxonomy supports the identification of some species of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Georgia

The present study reports results of a survey carried out mostly on Citrus sp. and Rubus sp. in Georgia. Morphological and molecular (12S rRNA, COI and CytB mtDNA markers) data were analysed in a framework of integrative taxonomy. Eleven species were identified and among them seven are new for the Georgian fauna. Euseius stipulatus and Phytoseius finitimus were the most abundant species during this survey. We assume that Amblyseius eharai, only reported from eastern Asia, was most probably introduced. Neoseiulus californicus, retrieved from uncultivated vegetation, was almost certainly originating from commercial strains. DNA sequences comparisons disclosed phylogenetic closeness between Amblyseius andersoni and Transeius wainsteini, despite these species (i) being morphologically well differentiated and (ii) classified in different genera, thereby questioning the reliability of the genus Transeius. General morphological characters, including measurements, are provided for species for which diagnoses were doubtful.

МОДИФИКАЦИИ ПРИЕМОВ РАЗВЕДЕНИЯ КЛЕЩЕЙ PHYTOSEIIDAE ДЛЯ ПОДАВЛЕНИЯ ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ ПАУТИННОГО КЛЕЩА

Populations of mites from the Tetranychidae family are characterized as high-resistant to acaricides, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the pesticide load on the agrocenoses ecosystem. Carnivorous arthropods from the Phytoseiidae family can be used as an alternative pest control. Our research aimed at improving the methods of breeding, storage and use of predatory mites against Tetrahychus urticae Koch. In 2015–2018, work was being undertaken to define the optimum thickness of the substrate layer (2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm) for breeding the food object – Acaris farus Oud. We also assessed the effect of the fodder substrate composition (wheat bran – control, wheat bran + soybean meal – experimental variant) on the population density of Amblyseius andersoni Chant. In 2016–2019, experiments on the storage of Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes, Neoseiulus cucumeris Oud. and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot at 4 °C (control – no storage) were carried out. In 2018–2019, to control Tetrahychus urticae Koch. in the soybean field, a mixture of N. cucumeris and A. andersoni was used according to the method of introduction into natural foci of prey. The optimum thickness of the substrate layer was found to be 4 cm. In this case, it was possible to obtain 6,983 mites in 1 cm3 for 7 days. Soybean meal addition increased the number of A. andersoni by 22.3 % compared to control (263 ind. vs 204 ind. per cm3). 30–45 days – an effective storage period for N. barkeri, 30 days – for N. cucumeris, no more than 10 days – for A. swirskii. On average, in 2018–2019, N. cucumeris and A. andersoni mixture reduced the number of T. urticae. The number of spider mites in the control variant was 14.6, in the experimental one – 5.3 ind./leaf. No predatory activity was observed on eggs. To prevent the development of spider mites, it is necessary to use N. cucumeris and A. andersoni at least twice with an interval of 5–7 days.

Coniferous plants as potential reservoirs of phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in Poland

Coniferous trees and shrubs growing in natural stands are important reservoirs of naturally-occurring predators belonging to the family Phytoseiidae (Mesostigmata: Phytoseioidea). The fauna of these mites on eight native coniferous species in Poland was surveyed and an exploratory statistical investigation was carried out into mite-conifer associations. The conifers were growing in forests, national parks and nature reserves throughout Poland. A total of 2,540 specimens of phytoseiids belonging to nine species was identified. Four species were new for the Polish fauna, i.e., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) inopinatus (Wainstein), T. (A.) caucasicus (Abbasova), T. (A.) singularis Chant and Neoseiulus gracilentus (Hirschmann). Among the studied coniferous taxa, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst supported the greatest numbers of both species and individual mites. The highest biodiversity indexes for the phytoseiids were obtained for Taxus baccata L. and Juniperus communis L. Among the phytoseiid species found, T. (T.) tiliae Oudemans occurred on all eight host species surveyed. Typhlodromus (A.) bakeri (Garman) and T. (T.) tiliae were the most dominant species and occurred on conifers with high constancy. Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) co-dominated with them on J. communis and P. abies. New to the knowledge of Phytoseiidae-host plant records were T. (A.) singularis on P. abies, T. (T.) tiliae on Pinus mugo Turra, Pi. cembra L., J. communis and T. baccata, N. gracilentus on J. communis and Pi. mugo, and T. (A.) inopinatus on Abies alba Mill., Larix decidua Mill. and P. abies. Additionally, for Poland, new Phytoseiidae-host plant associations were T. (A.) inopinatus on Pinus sylvestris L., T. (A.) bakeri on J. communis and T. baccata, T. (A.) caucasicus on A. alba, T. baccata and P. abies, and T. (A.) singularis on L. decidua.

A Preliminary Assessment of Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) as a Potential Biocontrol Agent against Phytophagous Mites Occurring on Coniferous Plants.

Simple SummaryAmblyseius andersoni (Chant) is a predatory mite frequently used as a biocontrol agent against phytophagous mites in greenhouses, orchards and vineyards. In Europe, it is an indigenous species, commonly found on various plants, including conifers. The present study examined whether A. andersoni can develop and reproduce while feeding on two key pests of ornamental coniferous plants, i.e., Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) and Pentamerismus taxi (Haller). Pinus sylvestris L. pollen was also tested as an alternative food source for the predator. Both prey species and pine pollen were suitable food sources for A. andersoni. Although higher values of population parameters were observed when the predator fed on mites compared to the pollen alternative, we conclude that pine pollen may provide adequate sustenance for A. andersoni populations when prey are absent. Based on our results and due to the fact that the predator was previously recorded as sympatric with O. ununguis and P. taxi, we consider it to be a promising biocontrol agent of these pests.Development, survival and reproduction of Ambyseius andersoni (Chant), a predatory mite widely distributed in Europe, were assessed on different food items. These included two key pests of ornamental coniferous plants, i.e., Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) and Pentamerismus taxi (Haller) and pollen of Pinus sylvestris L. The rationale behind these experiments was to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of the above phytophagous arthropods and evaluate pine pollen as an alternative food source for the predator. Under laboratory conditions (23 ± 0.5 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 16L:8D) A. andersoni was able to feed, develop and reproduce on all tested diets. The shortest development time (egg to female) was obtained when the predator fed on P. taxi (mean = 5.12 d) and the longest was on pine pollen (mean = 6.55 d). The rm value was significantly higher on both tested prey (0.166 on P. taxi and 0.160 on O. ununguis) than on pollen (0.139). Thus, we do not recommend pine pollen for mass rearing of A. andersoni; however, we conclude that pollen may provide sufficient sustenance for the predator population under field conditions when prey are absent. The potential of A. andersoni as a biocontrol agent of O. ununguis and P. taxi is discussed.

<p class="Body"><strong>Functional response of <em>Amblyseius andersoni </em>and <em>Neoseiulus neoreticuloides</em> (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to adults of the wolfberry gall mite <em>Aceria pallida </em>(Acari: Eriophyoidae)</strong></p>

The gall mite, Aceria pallida Keifer (Acari: Eriophyoidae) is an economically important pest of wolfberry Lycium barbarum L. and can cause significant losses to plant production. Two species of phytoseiid predatory mites, Amblyseius andersoni Chant and Neoseiulus neoreticuloides Liang & Hu were found on L. barbarum in Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia, China. We assessed the potential of these two phytoseiid species as biological control agents against A. pallida, using functional response experiments with seven prey densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 adults of A. pallida) on a wolfberry leaf under 25ºC ± 1ºC, 60% ± 5% RH and a 16:8 h (L:D) photoperiod. Overall, the predation of both species increased with increase in prey density. The consumption of A. andersoni female was significantly greater than that of conspecific males and N. neoreticuloides female at high prey densities. Both phytoseiid species displayed a type II functional response to A. pallida. Female A. andersoni had a higher attack rate (5.961) and a shorter handling time (0.014 d) than male A. andersoni (1.619; 0.019 d) and female N. neoreticuloides (0.719; 0.023 d). The maximum attack rate (T/Th) was estimated to be 71.43 and 52.63 for female and male A. andersoni, respectively, while it was 43.48 for female N. neoreticuloides. Both female and male A. andersoni consistently consumed significantly more prey than N. neoreticuloides across all densities of A. pallida adults.

Population of tetranychidae mites on apple trees and methods of restraining the number of resistant races in crimea

Analysis of apple tree phytosanitary state showed that the species composition of phytophage mites is labile and is subject to a constant shift of the share ratio. In 2012-2013, the apple orchards of Crimea were dominated by Amphytetranychus viennensis Zacher. Its share in the acarocomplex was 80%. Since 2014, the ratio has changed towards prevalence of Panonychus ulmi Koch. - 50%. With this, share of A. viennensis decreased to 25.0%. In some years there was mass reproduction of Tetranychus turkestani Ug et Nik and Tetranychus urticae Koch. The number of phytophage mites during the growing season depends on a number of factors: settlement to new areas, interspecies competition, reduction of feed base, occurrence of fungal diseases epidemics, increase in the number of natural enemies. The dependence of the phytophage mites population density on the numerical value of hydrothermal moisture index (HMI) was established: the higher the average daily air temperature in the absence of precipitation, the higher the population on the leaf apparatus. Appearance of resistant P. ulmi races to five acaricides belonging to different chemical classes was established with the following active substances: spirodiclofen, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, fenazaquin, tebufenpyrad. A. viennensisshowed the appearance of acaricide-resistant races with active substances pyridaben and tebufenpyrad. In connection with the decrease in acaricide effectiveness against spider mites in the industrial apple tree plantations of Crimea, an anti-resistant protection strategy has been developed using predatory Phytoseiidae mites - Phytoseiulus persimilis Ath. - H, Neoseiulus californicus McGregor, Amblyseius andersoni Chant.

<p class="Body"><strong>The genus <em>Amblyseius</em> Berlese (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Turkey with discussion on the identity of <em>Amblyseius</em> <em>meridionalis</em></strong></p>

Surveys were conducted to assess Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesositgmata) diversity in various habitats and ecosystems (including natural and agricultural areas) since 2008 in Turkey. This paper aims to provide a review of the Turkish species belonging to genus Amblyseius Berlese (Acari: Phytoseiidae) based on materials collected during these surveys as well as previous records. As a result, A. nemorivagus Athias-Henriot was found for the first time for Turkish fauna. In addition, unknown male of A. bryophilus Karg is described and illustrated. A revised identification key is provided for the 13 Amblyseius species found in Turkey. Validity of some previous Turkish records, and identity of A. meridionalis Berlese, are discussed. There are series of discrete species reported under the name A. meridionalis, none of them truly match with the original description in terms of shape of ventrianal shield. Our results indicated that A. kadzhajai Gomelauri, A. meridionalis, A. nemorivagus and A. obtusus (Koch) sensu Karg, were found only on moss. Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), A. herbicolus (Chant) and A. swirskii Athias-Henriot are common in agricultural ecosystems or higher plants. According to results, there is a different geographic distribution between these three species; A. swirskii is reported only from east Mediterranean, while A. herbicolus only from North-East (Black Sea region), A. andersoni is common in western Turkey. Only a few specimens of Amblyseius adjaricus Wainstein & Vartapetov and A. bryophilus were collected, from cultivated plants from Black Sea region. Therefore, potential of Turkish populations of these five species and their using possibilities in biological control are warranted in Turkey.