World experience in the production and use of phytoseiid mites

Abstract

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.