Mites (Acari) as a Factor in Greenhouse Management

Abstract

This review discusses the economically important pest mites (Acari) of greenhouses, aspects of their biology, and the acarine predators that attack them as well as various insect pests. Greenhouse factors affect pest mites as well as their natural enemy populations and their interactions. Conversely, pest mites affect greenhouse management in terms of the chemical and biological methods required to control their populations. Structure affects heating, cooling, and light, which can be manipulated with suitable screens. Crops often select for pests and their mite enemies. Both groups may be affected in greenhouses by adding pollen and by a CO(2)-enriched atmosphere. These factors impact pest mite populations, the damage they cause, and the methods used to control them. The possibility of incipient evolution occurring in greenhouses, along with the benefits and consequences for pest control, is discussed.

Integrating ecology and genetics to address Acari invasions

“…data). For other groups, such as the family Acaridae (Astigmata), data on the number of species and their impact on plants are scarce (Gerson and Weintraub 2012). Adventive ticks have also been spreading , with some of them carrying very detrimental diseases to domestic and wild animals and posing a threat to human health (CDFC 2000;George et al 2004;Léger et al 2012).…”

Toxicity of essential oils of Piper marginatum Jacq. against Tetranychus urticae Koch and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor)

“…This cosmopolitan pest feeds on several plant species, including crops such as tomato, cucumber, melon, strawberry, corn, soybean, apple, grape, and citrus fruit (Gerson and Weintraub, 2012). The first records of the two-spotted spider mite in agricultural systems in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, date back to the 1980s.…”

Seasonal climatic variations influence the efficacy of predatory mites used for control of western flower thrips in greenhouse ornamental crops

“…Also, WFT exhibit thigmotactic behaviour in which they seek a tight physical place in proximal contact with a plant, e.g. a gall, calyx, or fruit (Gerson & Weintraub, 2012). Thus, predators are required to spend time searching for and capturing prey.…”

“…Western flower thrips is a successful pest because of its thigmotactic behavior which decreases the likelihood of predator capture and consumption (Gerson & Weintraub, 2012). Whittaker and Kirk (2004) studied the amount of walking, pollen consumption and oviposition of WFT under five photoperiod combinations.…”