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The list of 135 reported spider mite species (family Tetranychidae) belonging to two subfamilies, six tribes and 20 genera, from various parts of India has been enlisted here. This paper is aimed at compiling the data from published records, which could be useful for future reference as well as research purposes. A list of scientific names of the Indian tetranychid mite species with their synonyms and their distribution are provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to use standard parameters for assessing the biological performance of natural enemies in biological programs. The predation parameters of Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on the immature stages of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), reared on four different host plants including cucumber (cultivar ʻNeginʼ), tomato (cultivar ʻIsabellaʼ), eggplant (cultivar ʻBellʼ) and watermelon (cultivar ʻCrimsonʼ) were determined under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 ℃, 60 ± 5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Predation data were analyzed using the CONSUME MSChart. The lowest and highest estimated values for the net predation rate (C0) were recorded on eggplant (35.12 prey/individual) and tomato (95.87 prey/individual), respectively. The lowest transformation rate from prey population to predator offspring (Qp) (12.76 prey/egg) was recorded on cucumber which was not significantly different from those obtained on the others. The highest value for the stable predation rate (ψ) was recorded on the cucumber (2.49 prey/predator) and the lowest amount was recorded on the watermelon (1.93 prey/predator). The finite predation rate (ω) for T. bagdasarjani on the abovementioned host plants was 2.73, 2.61, 2.03, and 2.04 (day-1), respectively. Our findings revealed the predation parameters of T. bagdasarjani fed on immature stages of T. urticae on four different host plants and will be helpful for its sustainable management in different agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is an important component of mass-production system of bio-control agents. Thus, using a non-prey diet (such as plant pollen) instead of natural prey could be more cost-effective in mass-production of phytoseiid predatory mites. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the multigenerational effect of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), pollen diet on life table parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reared for one, five and 11 consecutive generations. The predatory mites A. swirskii and C. negevi successfully completed their development on maize pollen for up to 11 generations. In G1, oviposition days, adult longevity, and fecundity showed significantly higher values in the case of C. negevi as compared to A. swirskii. Despite statistically similar oviposition days in the G11, A. swirskii females (44.43 eggs/♀) deposited significantly more eggs than those of C. negevi (40.60 eggs/♀). There were no significant differences in finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic rate of increase (r), net (R0) and gross (GRR) reproductive rates between the two predatory mites in G1 and G5 (P ≥ 0.05). In G11, individuals of C. negevi had significantly higher values of r (0.181 day-1) and λ (1.198 day-1) compared to those of A. swirskii (r = 0.159 day-1, λ = 1.173 day-1). However, there were no significant differences in R0 and GRR values between A. swirskii (R0 =34.18 offspring, GRR = 39.75 offspring) and C. negevi (R0 = 31.23 offspring, GRR = 35.44 offspring) in G11. In conclusion, maize pollen has a great potential as a suitable and cost-effective diet for developing the mass-production system of A. swirskii and C. negevi on non-prey diets, where the performance of these predators remained to some extent constant across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The symbiotic relationship between microorganisms and arthropods is very common in nature. Some of the symbiotic microorganisms alter the normal sex-determining mechanisms in arthropods, causing sex-ratio deviation, killing males, and eventually leading to asexual reproduction and the possibility of species extinction. In the biocontrol of agricultural pests, predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are of great importance. Here, regarding the observance of sex-ratio deviation in Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae), the presence of three reproductive manipulator bacteria, i.e. Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Cardinium were investigated in adult mites. Firstly, investigation of the female: male ratio in commercial mites showed that the ratio was about 42:58. Thus, there was an obvious deviation from the normal sex ratio (50:50). Therefore, to determine the presence of sex-determining bacteria, the whole DNA was extracted from A. swirski mites, or alternatively the adult mites were used. Using specific primers of the above-mentioned bacteria for WSP, gtlA, and 16S rDNA genes, multiplex PCR was applied. The PCR products were sequenced, and the sequences were processed using MEGA 6 software, blasted, and checked within the NCBI gene bank. The results indicated the simultaneous presence of Wolbachia sp. and Rickettsia sp. in A. swirskii in all individuals tested, which meant 100% colonization. Therefore, the sex-ratio deviation in this species could be explained by the presence of sex-ratio distorting symbionts, although more studies are needed to prove this concept. Moreover, using individual adult mites directly in PCR tubes as the sources of raw DNA saved time and reduced the costs and labors in detecting the bacteria. Multiplex PCR also decreased the need for reagents, enzymes, DNA templates, etc., and saved a significant amount of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of all heterostigmatic mites that have previously been recorded from Iran. Thus far, 319 species, 70 genera, 12 families and 6 superfamilies of Heterostigmata (Acari: Prostigmata) (of 2265 known world species, 232 genera, 18 families and 8 superfamilies) have been recorded from different regions of Iran. Our study reveals a substantially immense diversity of Iranian heterostigmatic mite fauna, representing 15% and 4% of all heterostigmatic mites recorded and described from Iran, respectively by reviewing research of many scientists during more than 50 years. In addition to Iranian heterostigmatic mite taxa, all genera, families and superfamilies of world's Heterostigmata have been mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the results of surveys carried out over a period of two years (2018 and 2020) in four provinces of Iran: Guilan, Razavi Khorasan, Mazandaran, and Sistan and Baluchestan. Twenty-three species from eight genera of Phytoseiidae have been collected, of which two species were newly recorded for Iran, namely: Euseius gallicus and Proprioseiopsis lineatus. Three species, namely Neoseiulus agrestis, Amblyseius obtusus, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) haiastanius are new records for the Guilan Province. Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius swirskii are new records for the Mazandaran Province while Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) haiastanius is a new record for the Razavi Khorasan Province. All species collected in Sistan and Baluchestan are new records for this province. The worldwide distribution and plant hosts of all collected phytoseiids during this study are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of spider mite counterattack and defensive behavior and their effects on predatory mites have only been investigated in social species. Here, we have examined the defensive success of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) male individuals in the presence of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) juveniles. We recorded the number of T. urticae eggs eaten (killed) within three days along with monitoring the predator (dead/alive) status. The defensive behavior of T. urticae male was considered as success when the predator had consumed less than 50% of the prey eggs and was killed at the end of the experimental period. Our main hypothesis was that introducing an additional male would increase the defensive success rate. Results showed that the success rate was significantly higher in the patches with two T. urticae male individuals compared to one. No significant difference were observed among the egg-eating (killing) rate within the three consecutive days of experiment in patches with one male, while in the treatments with an additional male, the egg killing rate of the third day was significantly higher than that on the first day. We also hypothesized that male T. urticae with significant higher rate of defensive success should be morphologically different in comparison with the defeated ones. We found no significant differences in the length of chelicera, first leg and body (length and width) between the successful versus defeated males. We concluded that T. urticae can attack the predator, but the weapon by which the success happens remained unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the population dynamics and diversity indices of three invasive species; the twospotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), the silver leaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and the onion thrips Thrips tabaci Lindman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on four tested plants; Siberian (Russian) kale Brassica napus var. pabularia L., Italian (Tuscan) kale Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia L. (Brassicaceae), spearmint Mentha spicata L. and Saudi Mint Mentha longifolia L. (Lamiaceae); in addition to evaluating a proposed IPM protocol in two experimental sites (Om Saber, Beheira Governorate and Kom Oshim, Fayoum Governorate). The proposed IPM program consisted using predatory mites; Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, and Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a green pesticide, and an entomopathogenic compound. Samples were collected from tested plants for two seasons to calculate pest population dynamics, and diversity indices, before and after IPM treatments. The resulting data showed statistically significant fluctuation, population dynamics, abundance, distribution, and diversity indices of the three targeted pest species recorded on the four tested plants. The proposed IPM protocol resulted in a significant reduction percentage when A. swirskii was used compared to other tactics. It is discussed that abiotic and biotic factors together help in explaining why various pest species build their communities rapidly and increase their parameters that become above the Economic Injury Level (EIL). Such factors are hypothesized to affect the plant-arthropod, predatorherbivore, predator-predator, and tri-trophic interactions. The proposed protocol recommends the consideration of application timing and merging tactics together to get maximum efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We redescribed and illustrated Charletonia damavandica on the basis of examination of its type and new materials which were collected ectoparasitic on Calliptamus italicus (Insecta: Orthoptera: Acrididae) as hosts from Shahrood city, Semnan province, Iran as a new host record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fauna of Iranian stored products' mites (Arachnida: Acari) is summarized based on data from published books and papers. A total of 144 species of the Acari belonging to 90 genera, 45 families, 27 superfamilies, three suborders, three orders and two superorders have been recorded in Iran. Species-richest families are Acaridae (17 species, 11.80%), Cheyletidae (16 species, 11.11%) followed by Laelapidae (12 species, 8.33%), Ameroseiidae (seven species, 4.86%), Bdellidae (six species, 4.16%), and each of the families Tydeidae, Cunaxidae and Ascidae (five species, 3.47%), Stigmaeidae, Erythraeidae, Melicharidae, Glycyphagidae and Oppiidae (four species, 2.77%), Trematuridae, Raphignathidae, Blattisociidae, Macrochelidae (three species, 2.08%), Dinychidae, Tarsonemidae, Caligonellidae, Pyemotidae, Acarophenacidae, Phytoseiidae, Histiostomatidae, Carpoglyphidae, Ereynetidae, Suidasiidae and Oribatulidae (each two species, 1.38%) and seventeen families have one species as follows: Achipteriidae, Euphthiracaridae, Scheloribatidae, Cosmochthoniidae, Haplochthoniidae, Tectocepheidae, Suctobelbidae, Pyroglyphidae, Chortoglyphidae, Smarididae, Eupodidae, Parholaspidae, Digamasellidae, Ologamasidae, Rhodacaridae, Tetranychidae, and Oplitidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoseiidae mites' survival and reproduction depend on optimal environmental factors. A total of five different agroecological zones (AEZs) were surveyed twice each year from 2017 to 2019 in Kenya. In Eastern Kenya sample farms were small scale citrus orchards in the counties of Machakos [Low Midlands-Four (LM4)] and Makueni [Upper Midlands-Three (LM3)]. In the Coastal Lowlands-Four (CL4) similar small-scale citrus plots were sampled in Kwale, while in the highland Rift Valley region sample sites were ADC-Suam orchards of Kitale of the Lower Highlands-Two (LH2), where the large-scale farms were under citrus crop culture. The fifth site sampled was Baringo area of the Low Midlands-Five (LM5) where small plot citrus crop dominated the sample sites. Out of 68 fields of repeat surveys, 40% of citrus plots yielded varied diversity of phytoseiid mites. The major pest from the sites was citrus brown mite, Eutetranychus africanus. In this study, population fluctuation of phytoseiid mites was observed under different climatic conditions of temperature, relative humidity, dew-point and citrus plant age (in years). On the major pest E. africanus, three factors were evaluated for correlation and significance to infestation levels on the citrus crop. Of the three evaluated factors of temperature, citrus tree age and phytoseiid density in the orchards, temperature parameter did not significantly influence the pest mite (E. africanus) infestation levels for all combined AEZs factors. In the present case studies of specific AEZs, older trees led to higher pest mite density while low phytoseiid numbers correlated inversely to higher E. africanus infestation levels on the citrus trees. The information here could be used proactively to plan for management of E. africanus as the major pest in citrus orchards in specific agro-ecological zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) is an important phytoseiid mite. The biological and life table parameters of A. largoensis preyed on two eriophyoid mites, Aceria ficus (Cotte) or Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer, were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In the present study, this predator was reared on two plant species (Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. and Ficus carica L.) and provided with A. ficus or R. ficifoliae as prey. Results showed that A. largoensis failed to complete its development on F. carica leaves and its individuals couldn't reach the adult stage. In contrast, A. largoensis successfully completed its development and reproduced when reared on A. wilkesiana leaves and fed on A. ficus or R. ficifoliae. The pre-adult development of A. largoensis reared on A. wilkesiana leaves preyed on A. ficus (7.70 days) was faster than for those preyed on R. ficifoliae (8.95 days). Females fed on A. ficus showed higher number of oviposition days compared with those preyed on R. ficifoliae. Adult longevity was shorter for A. largoensis individuals fed on R. ficifoliae (22.20 days), but longer for those fed on A. ficus (26.35 days). Fecundity of A. largoensis females fed on A. ficus (25.00 eggs/female) was higher than that of those fed on R. ficifoliae (18.40 eggs/female). Amblyseius largoensis fed on A. ficus displayed better performance in terms of its population parameters, as proved by its higher values of intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.193 day-1), finite rate of increase (λ) (1.213 day-1), and net reproductive rate (R0) (20.000 offspring) as compared to feeding on R. ficifoliae (r = 0.164 day-1, λ = 1.178 day-1, and R0 = 14.720 offspring). Although F. carica leaves seemed to be an unsuitable surface for the development of A. largoensis, the current results suggested that this phytoseiid may be promising in the control of other eriophyoid mite pests. Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) is an important phytoseiid mite. The biological and life table parameters of A. largoensis preyed on two eriophyoid mites, Aceria ficus (Cotte) or Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer, were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In the present study, this predator was reared on two plant species (Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. and Ficus carica L.) and provided with A. ficus or R. ficifoliae as prey. Results showed that A. largoensis failed to complete its development on F. carica leaves and its individuals couldn't reach the adult stage. In contrast, A. largoensis successfully completed its development and reproduced when reared on A. wilkesiana leaves and fed on A. ficus or R. ficifoliae. The pre-adult development of A. largoensis reared on A. wilkesiana leaves preyed on A. ficus (7.70 days) was faster than for those preyed on R. ficifoliae (8.95 days). Females fed on A. ficus showed higher number of oviposition days compared with those preyed on R. ficifoliae. Adult longevity was shorter for A. largoensis individuals fed on R. ficifoliae (22.20 days), but longer for those fed on A. ficus (26.35 days). Fecundity of A. largoensis females fed on A. ficus (25.00 eggs/female) was higher than that of those fed on R. ficifoliae (18.40 eggs/female). Amblyseius largoensis fed on A. ficus displayed better performance in terms of its population parameters, as proved by its higher values of intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.193 day-1), finite rate of increase (λ) (1.213 day-1), and net reproductive rate (R0) (20.000 offspring) as compared to feeding on R. ficifoliae (r = 0.164 day-1, λ = 1.178 day-1, and R0 = 14.720 offspring). Although F. carica leaves seemed to be an unsuitable surface for the development of A. largoensis, the current results suggested that this phytoseiid may be promising in the control of other eriophyoid mite pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eriophyid mites, Aceria kenyae (Keifer), A. mangiferae Sayed, and Calepitrimerus baileyi Keifer are important phytophagous pests in Egypt. In this study, the effect of the above-mentioned eriophyids, as natural prey, on the biological and population growth parameters of the phytoseiid mite, Typhlodromus athiasae Porath & Swirski was evaluated. This phytoseiid can successfully develop and reproduce on A. kenyae, A. mangiferae, and C. baileyi. Individuals of T. athiasae fed on A. mangiferae displayed the shortest pre-adult development, while those fed on A. kenyae and C. baileyi took more time to reach the adult stage. Adult female longevity of T. athiasae was longer on A. mangiferae (36.79 days) than on A. kenyae (31.65 days) and C. baileyi (31.18 days). The total number of eggs per T. athiasae female was the highest on A. mangiferae, followed by A. kenyae, and C. baileyi (46.29, 37.62, and 34.39 eggs/female, respectively). Presently, feeding of T. athiasae on A. mangiferae resulted in the maximum intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0) as compared to the other prey. In addition, preying on A. mangiferae showed the shortest mean generation time (T), while A. kenyae showed the longest one as prey of T. athiasae. In conclusion, the present results showed that the T. athiasae population could display a high capacity to increase when preying on the tested eriophyids (especially on A. mangiferae). So, this predator may be capable of providing effective management of these eriophyid mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude ethyl acetate extracts of six entomopathogenic fungi, Hirsutella species were screened against Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). In this study, all extracts presented potential to control eggs and adult female activities. Laboratory evaluation of the crude extracts of Hirsutella citriformis, H. guignardii, H. petchabunensis, H. satumaensis, H. saussurei and H. thompsonii showed slightly toxicity and median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 7,579.94, 8,910.38, 8,579.45, 5,055.96, 1,555.46 and 44,197.85 mg/L at 72 h after treatment against adult females of T. urticae, respectively. Related LC50 values that exhibited on eggs were 12,701.86, 30,922.72, 10,870.96, 12,635.56, 9,244.59 and 22,676.66 mg/L at 5 days after exposure. The most effective on T. urticae eggs and adult females is H. saussurei. Moreover, all extracts deceased the fecundity of T. urticae after being fed with mulberry leaf discs treated the crude extract of six species of Hirsutella under residual effect bioassay. The results suggest that the ethyl acetate extracts of Hirsutella citriformis, H. guignardii, H. petchabunensis, H. thompsonii, H. satumaensi and H. saussurei have the potential to be used for the control of T. urticae in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predatory mite Proprioseiopsis lindquisti completed its development and reproduced successfully on three eriophyid mites, Aculops lycopersici, Aceria mangiferae, and Aculus fockeui, under laboratory conditions. Feeding on A. mangiferae and A. fockeui resulted in short developmental and long oviposition periods and was a suitable food for predator oviposition as it resulted in high fecundity, gross and net reproductive rates. Feeding on A. lycopersici elongated the developmental period and was less favorable for the predator as it gave the lowest rate of oviposition and net reproductive rates. Higher intrinsic rates of increase, and finite rates of increase for P. lindquisti were recorded on A. mangiferae while A. lycopersici and A. fockeui produced lower values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf domatia as a habitat-produced structure is considered to moderate the interaction intensity among guild parties. We studied whether domatia of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) leaves could reduce the adverse effects of predation of a phytoseiid on behalf of an intraguild predatory mite on a phytoseiid intraguild prey, and a tetranychid extraguild prey. In the domatia-provided treatments where Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) females were considered as predator, significantly fewer Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot juveniles were killed, and eaten in comparison with the treatments without domatia. The predation rate of A. swirskii was affected by the domatia i.e. the number of eaten P. persimilis was significantly lower on patches with four domatia rather than those with no domatium, however, no significant difference was observed between those in patches with two, and four domatia. Both natural, and artificial domatia could reduce the predation rate on P. persimilis juveniles. When P. persimilis females were considered as predators, the number of A. swirskii killed juveniles was affected neither by presence nor by the number of leaf domatia. The number of eaten Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs/larvae in patches with either of the intraguild predator species was not affected by the presence, the number, and the type of domatia. We suggest that leaf domatia could affect the survival of phytoseiid predatory mites as the guild participants even when the highly aggressive intraguild predator, A. swirskii, enters such structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of eight pollen diets (wild almond, date palm, oak, pomegranate, pistachio, peach, damask rose, and walnut) and also Tetranychus urticae Koch as natural diet on life table of the Amblyseius swirskii (Phytoseiidae) was determined at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). Results showed that damask rose pollen was not accepted as food and did not support the development of A. swirskii beyond the protonymphal and deutonymphal stage. The highest and lowest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) belonged to the pistachio (0.192 and 1.212 day-1) and peach (0.022 and 1.023 day-1) pollen, respectively. The net reproductive rate (R0) values varied from 1.4 offspring for the peach pollen to 29.54 offspring for the pistachio. Furthermore, the highest and lowest fecundity rate was recorded on the pistachio (36.65 eggs/female) and peach (3.23 eggs/female) pollen, respectively. Measured life table parameters of A. swirskii reared on different diets revealed pistachio, and after that, date palm and pomegranate pollen grains to be the most suitable diets. These findings may introduce more suitable pollen diets for the rearing of this predatory mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing pesticides' side-effects on non-target beneficial phytoseiids is crucial for integrated mite management (IMM) programs. The present study investigates the sublethal effects of three fungicides: previcur N (Propamocarb-Hydrochloride 72.2%), penazol 10% EC (Penconazol) and sumi-eight 5% EC (Diniconazole); two insecticides: confidor 20% SL (Imidacloprid) and penny 9% SC (Emamectin benzoate 1.5% & Indoxacarb 7.5%), and two common acaricides: agnar (Spirodiclofen 18% + Abamectin 2%) and biomectin 5% EC (Abamectin) on the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot under both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The toxicity bioassay and greenhouse experiments revealed that the effects of agnar, confidor and previcur N on P. persimilis is less than other compounds. Therefore, they were selected to evaluate their influence on the population parameters of P. persimilis. Based on the age-stage two-sex life table theory, the LC25 of tested pesticides significantly reduced the longevity, life span and total fecundity of female P. persimilis. Also, it reduced the net (R0) and gross (GRR) reproductive rates. Consequently, the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rates of increase were affected. In conclusion, the selected pesticides should not be used with P. persimilis in integrated pest management programs due to their unfavorable effects on the population parameters of this predatory mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population abundance of Tetranychus urticae Koch and its naturally occurring phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot on four strawberry cultivars (029, Fortona, Markez and Wanter star) were studied during 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons. In both studied seasons, the population of T. urticae was observed from mid-October, and still recorded until the beginning of May. The peaks of infestation appeared in February or March (according to the cultivar) then declined later until the end of the study. The predatory mite (A. swirskii) initially appeared in January 2018 and 2019, while its population's peaks were observed in March on the four cultivars. In the two studied seasons, 029 cultivar was infested with the maximum numbers of T. urticae followed by Markez and Fortona cultivars, while Wanter star cultivar had the lowest infestation. In the present study, as the foliar concentrations of alkaloids and phenolic compounds increased, the cultivar infestation with T. urticae decreased. In all cultivars, a positive correlation between the populations of A. swirskii and T. urticae was observed. The present work may be considered useful to develop a successful management program of T. urticae, a serious pest of strawberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hem.: Aleyrodidae) are among the most destructive pests under greenhouse conditions which is primirarily countered using chemical pesticides. Due to insecticidal and acaricidal effectiveness of Spiromesifen (Oberon®), agricultural producers extensively used this chemical to control both whitefly and spider mite populations. In the present study, effects of recommended concentration of Spiromesifen on some biological and behavioral attributes of predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on different ratios of two-spotted spider mite and silverleaf whitefly were investigated. Different treatments were defined as 1 (150 immature stages of mite + 0 immature stages of whitefly), 2 (120 mite + 30 whitefly), 3 (90 mite + 60 whitefly), 4 (75 mite + 75 whitefly), 5 (60 mite + 90 whitefly), 6 (30 mite + 120 whitefly) and 7 (0 mite + 150 whitefly). According to the results, mortality percentage of adult individuals was not significantly affected by different ratios of prey. With increasing ratio of preys tested in experimental arena, feeding activity of predatory mite on both preys was increased. However, in the case of T. urtice, linear relation observed between the initial number of mite offered and number of mite eaten was more significant. Reproductive responses of female predators to different ratios of mixed preys had no specified trend. Furthermore, switching behavior was not detected in female predators. Our results have considerable role for increasing biological efficacy of A. swirskii in integrated management programs of different pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of two pea cultivars, regular and sweet as substrates on biological aspects and life table analysis of two phytoseiid species, Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai) and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) fed on nymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch under laboratory conditions of 27 ± 1 ℃, 70–80 % RH and 16L:8D h photoperiod. The development was faster and reproduction of N. californicus was higher compared with C. negevi. The predatory mite N. californicus showed the highest fecundity when reared on sweet pea cultivar, while C. negevi exhibited the lowest fecundity when reared on regular pea cultivar. Rearing C. negevi on the two pea cultivars led to the greatest female longevity than that of N. californicus. Feeding capacity of females during oviposition period was the highest for N. californicus on sweet pea, but it was the lowest for C. negevi on regular pea cultivar. Life table analysis showed that the shortest mean generation time (T) for N. californicus (13.01 days) compared with C. negevi (14.65 days) on sweet pea cultivar. Also, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of N. californicus was 0.29 female/female/day, but the rm value was 0.24 female/female/day for C. negevi on sweet pea substrate. Therefore, it can be concluded that the two predatory mites, C. negevi and N. californicus, are efficient biological control agents against T. urticae on the two pea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The walnut leaf gall mite (Aceria tristriatus) is one of the major pests of walnut in western Iran. Therefore, a study to determine the predatory mites associated with this pest in Hamedan and Lorestan provinces was carried out during 2014-2017. In this survey, totally 10 species belong to six genera and three different families including Phytoseiidae: Kuzinellus kuzini Wainstein, Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein & Arutunjan, Typhlodromus khosrovensis Arutunjan, Euseius finlandicus Oudemans; Iolinidae: Neopronematus iranensis Ahmad-Hosseini et al., Neopronematus solani Ripka et al., Pronematus rykei Meyer & Rodrigues; Tydeidae: Tydeus caryae Khanjani & Ueckermann, Tydeus goetzi Schruft, and Tydeus electus Kuznetzov were collected and identified. Kuzinellus kuzini Wainstein had the highest frequency and distribution in this survey. Among the collected species, Typhlodromus khosrovensis, Typhlodromus bagdasarjani, E. finlandicus, N. solani, Tydeus caryae, Tydeus goetzi and Tydeus electus are re-described in the present paper. Tydeus goetzi and Neopronematus solani are reported for the first time for Hamedan and Lorestan provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present catalogue deals with the results of a survey carried out on available literature consisted of collected and identified mesostigmatic mites associated with different kinds of host/habitats in Iran. Some family, genera, and species of mesostigmatic mites of Iran which were not included in the checklist provided by Kazemi and Rajaei, 2013 as well as their distribution data are presented. Overall, a total of 371 species out of 127 genera belonging to 39 families were listed in the present paper. Consequently, by considering Phytoseiidae family, the list of mesostigmatic mites reported from different parts of Iran was increased into 47 families, 172 genera and 620 species. It is also worth mentioning that Ololaelaps gamagarensis Jordaan & Loots was considered as junior synonym of O. mooiensis Ryke and Pseudoparasitus talebii Nemati, Malekshahkoohi & Afshari, was considered as junior synonym of P. hajiqanbari Kazemi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]