Measurement of the efficiency of predation of Phytoseidae as biological control

Abstract

The family Phytoseiidae includes Mesostigmata mites, which are important biological control agents worldwide. They are well-known natural enemies of phytophagous arthropods on cultivated and non-cultivated plants, making them especially useful for controlling spider mites. Some species can also control thrips in greenhouses and at field level. Several studies have been published reporting the species present in Latin America, with the largest number of studies done in Brazil. Phytoseiid mites have been used in different biological control approaches, with two classic biological control programs successful: biocontrol of cassava green mite using Typhlodromalus aripo (Deleon) in Africa and citrus and avocado mites by Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot) in California. Although efforts are being made in Latin America to use phytoseed mites to implement biological control of different phytophagous mites, to date there are no successful examples. This fact highlights the need to continue research on the capacity of other unknown species to be used in biological control through close collaboration between researchers and biocontrol companies. Still, there are different challenges, such as developing better husbandry systems to provide large quantities of predators to farmers in different cropping systems, training farmers to improve their understanding of predator use and chemical control with the aim of achieving a conservative biological control, and also improve plant management plans and species that show low tolerance to pests.