Cyclamen mite (Acari: Tarsonemidae) monitoring in eastern Canada strawberry (Rosaceae) fields and its potential control by the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Abstract The cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus Banks; Acari: Tarsonemidae) has recently become a more important pest in Canadian strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier; Rosaceae) production with the withdrawal of the pesticide endosulfan in 2016, yet its phenology under field conditions in Canada is poorly known. Moreover, while its biological control with predatory mites has shown potential, the effectiveness of this method has never been investigated under eastern Canadian field conditions. The objectives of this study were to (1) monitor populations of P. pallidus in strawberries for two consecutive years; and (2) evaluate the in-field potential of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudemans (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Monitoring cyclamen mite populations in the field revealed new critical knowledge about its phenology in eastern Canada, such as activity until late November. The predator N. cucumeris was able to effectively suppress cyclamen mites the first year, but appeared to be too cold-sensitive to maintain adequate control towards the end of the season. Furthermore, the high rates of predator release required would most likely be cost prohibitive for commercial use. Control of the cyclamen mite in strawberries remains a complex issue that will require further research.