Field Study on the Two Mite Species; Hemisarcoptes coccophagzs Meyer (Astigmata: Hemisarcoptidae) and Phyllotetranychus aegyptiacus Sayed (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae) on Two Varieties of Date Palm Trees at Giza Governorate

Abstract

Field study was carried out on the predaceous mite, Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer and the phytophagous mite, Phyllotetranychus aegtpt|acas Saybd associated with the diaspidid, Fiorinia phoenicis Balachowsky infesting two varieties (Semany and Zaghtol) of date palm trees at Giza govemorate during the period from mid April 2012 to mid May 20l3.Population of F. phoenicls was noted all over the year being low from I't November. Its population was recorded on Semany arrd Zaglol variety averaging 67.0 and 76.3 individuals/sq. inch showing highly significant difference as Zaghlol was favor for the prey.Population of nymphs and adults of H. coccophagus, was noted in large numbers from mid April to 1 't August. Its means all over the period of study was 10.3 and I I .8 individuals/sq. inch on Semany arrd Zaghlol with significant difference between records of the two varieties showing Zaghlol to be favor for the predaceous mite associated with its prey, F. phoenicis. The highest population of nymhs ancl adults of P. aegyptiacus was recorded in mid December; no individuals were recorded during the period from July to mid November. Means of P. aegtptiacus nymphs and adults on Semany ard Zaghlol werc 2.7 and 5.1 individuals I sq. inch showing Zaghlol to be favored for the phytophagus mite.