Features description for the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957 (Mesostigmata: subfam. Amblyseiinae)

Abstract

The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis A.-H. is used as aspecific acariphage on vegetable and flower crops. In protected ground P.persimilis is the most effective predator of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychidae). The scopes of pesticides use in the struggle withtwospotted spider mites – pests of food and flower crops – are limited bythe acaricides quantity. There are resistant pest races from which it ispossible to protect crops only with help of predaceous mites. The specialfeature of the P. persimilis use on protected ground is the rapid rate ofpopulation reproduction of the. The basis for the effective use of P. persimilis is the timely detection of twospotted spider mite foci sites andthe settlement of a certain number of predaceous mites there. On thebackdrop of the pesticides use, it is necessary to do surveys every 4–5days, at a temperature of 25 °C. This mite is widely used to protect gardenstrawberries, especially during tunnel cultivation. Flower crops (roses canbe taken as the example) are also effectively protected by phytoseiulus onshrub-shaped plants. However, flower plants under forcing treatmentrequire more drought-resistant acariphages.