Successive release of the predatory mite, Phytoseius plumifer for combating Tetranychus arabicus ( Acarina )on fig seedlings.

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, the predatory mite Phytoseius plumifer (C. and F.) was released successively at two rates of 1 or 3 individuals per leaf on two groups of fig seedlings naturally infested with Tetranychus arabicus Attiah. A third group of plants was treated with dicofol 10 weeks after the predator release. T. arabicus population was suppressed and maintained at low densities when P. plumifer was reintroduced 10 weeks after the first release. Application of dicofol, however, killed the predator and thus allowing the prey population to rise again.