Predatory mites

Predatory mites of the family Macrochelidae could also be an option to control parasitic nematodes. They reach the dung pat by phoresis (flies, beetles) and include nematodes in their nutrition. One study with Macrocheles glaber, added to cattle dung, showed a significant reduction of infective nematode larvae (Waller and Faedo, 1996). But little research has been performed in this field. 

The first indication of the active role of plants in producing volatile chemicals to attract the natural enemies of their herbivorous attackers was found by Dicke, Sabelis, and coworkers (7, 24) in their studies of predatory mites that prey on plant-feeding mites. They found that when herbivorous spider mites feed on lima bean leaves, the plant releases a blend of volatiles that attracts predatory mites. The blend produced differs between plant species and varies depending on the species of spider mite that is attacking the plant. The blends even differ between plant cultivars infested with the same spider mite species, and the predatory mites can detect these differences (25,26). Artificially damaged leaves are not attractive to the predatory mites. 

We also found that the response of the plant to the caterpillar spit is systemic (31). Thus, not only the damaged leaves but the entire plant produces and releases volatile compounds when one or more leaves are attacked by caterpillars. Dicke et al. (7) had earlier found a similar effect in that undamaged leaves of a spider mite-injured plant attracted predatory mites. This systemic effect could be very significant in terms of enabling the natural enemies to locate their victims. It makes the plant under attack stand out from its neighbors and act as a beacon to foraging natural enemies. 

Pulpan, J. and Vemer, P.H. 1965. Control of tryoglyphoid mites in stored grain by the predatory mite Chey Ictus eruditus (Schrank). Can. J. Zool. 43, 417-432. 

Sulfur Naturally occurring mineral used to control powdery mildew and rose black spot. It can harm predatory mites, so it should not be applied where biological controls are in use. 

Many predatory mites feed mainly on plant-feeding mites here one Is feeding on red spider mite eggs. Certain types ean be purehased as blologleal eontrol agents see p.97). 

ShimodaT, Ozawa R, Sano K, Yano E, Takabayashi J (2005) The involvement of volatile info-chemicals from spider mites and from food-plants in prey location of the generalist predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus. J Chem Ecol 31 2019-2032... 

Predatory Mites Veiy small, 8 legs, not true insects Spider mites... 

In the context of tritrophic interactions, plant-plant communication has been subject to only few studies (Bruin et al., 1995). In one such study, Bruin et al. (1992) demonstrated that healthy cotton plants that were exposed to spider mite-induced volatiles from conspecihc plants increased in their attractiveness to predatory mites. This increased attraction was probably not simply the result of adsorbence and re-release of these volatiles from the healthy plants, because there is now clear evidence that volatiles from spider mite-infested plants can induce odor releases in neighboring plants (Arimura et al, 2000a). 

Dicke, M. and Groeneveld, A. (1986). Hierarchical structure in kairomone preference of the predatory mite Amblyseius potentillae dietary component indispensable for diapause induction affects prey location behavior. Ecological Entomology 11 131-138. 

Dicke, M. and Sabelis, M. W. (1988). How plants obtain predatory mites as bodyguards. Netherlands Journal of Zoology 38 148-165. 

Dicke, M., Schutte, C. and Dijkman, H. (2000). Change in behavioral response to herbivore-induced plant volatiles in a predatory mite population. Journal of Chemical Ecology 26 1497-1514. 

Maeda, T., Takabayashi, J., Yano, S. and Takafuji, A. (1999). Response of the predatory mite, Amblyseius womersleyi (Acari Phytoseiidae), toward herbivore-induced plant volatiles variation in response between two local populations. Applied Entomology and Zoology 34 449 154. 

Nontarget Effects. The shift from sulfur dusting to Bayleton spraying in California appears to be associated with an increase in predatory mite populations, which were uncommon in vineyards on sulfur programs (personal communication). On the other hand, pestiferous Erineum mites and thrips appear to increase where sulfur usage has been reduced, although a clear cause and effect relationship has not been established. 

The soil-dwelling mites of the Cunaxidae are predatory mites living in the soil beneath remains, feeding on insects and their larvae associated with the remains. The Winterschmidtiidae and Acaridae may be found toward... 

OZAWA, R SHIMODA, T, KAWAGUCHI, M ARIMURA, G., HORIUCHI, J., NISHIOKA, T., TAKABAYASHI, J., Lotus japonicus infested with herbivorous mites emits volatile compounds that attract predatory mites., J. Plant Res., 2000, 113, 427-433. 

Predatory bug. A number of species are used for control of thrips Spider mite consuming mite, used in protected crops A number of species of wasp, parasitic of Lepidotera in protected crops Used against mosquito larvae... 

Individual trees (fruit trees and other tree species which are appropriate for the location) orchards consisting of standard trees in the vicinity of commercial orchards should be left or replanted. Untreated apple trees are a good reservoir for predatory mites and are inhabited by over 1000 species of insects, mites and spiders. Standard fruit trees are an important element of the landscape and rural image. 

Winter eggs of the red spider mite are unlikely to be found, however, in an orchard with a stable balance between the red spider mite and predatory mites. 

---