The indigenous species of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents of plant pests in Slovenia

Abstract

Phytoseiid mites are of great importance for the biological control of spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. In this article, we present six species of predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae, which are included in the list of indigenous organisms for biological control in Slovenia. These species are Amblyseius andersoni, Neoseiulus californicus, N. barkeri, N. cucumeris, Euseius gallicus, and Typhlodromus pyri. Being included in the list mentioned above, these species have great potential to be used in biological control and are technically qualified sources for the management of several pest species in agricultural production in Slovenia. Detailed information about the feeding habits, food preferences, and biological control potentials of these species is presented herein.