Could phytoseiid mites impair biological control of the invasive plant, Ailanthus altissima?

Abstract

Aculus taihangensis is a potential biological control agent of Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle. However, predatory mites found in Europe may affect the action of this eriophyid agent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biology of two predatory mites, Euseius stipulatus and Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus, feeding on A. taihangensis. Rearing stocks were maintained in germination chambers at 25 ± 1 °C, with 12 hours of photophase and relative humidity 70 ± 5%. Of 40 individualized T. (T.) exhilaratus eggs, only 37.5% achieved adulthood, while viability of E. stipulatus was 87.5%. The mean fecundity was 18 eggs/ female. Both predatory mites evaluated in this study feed on A. taihangensis. However, only E. stipulatus seems to be an efficient predator, capable of controlling A. taihangensis.