Osman, M: Biological Control Of Two Spotted Spider Mites

Spider mites belonging to the family Tetranychidae are major agricultural pests that often cause sever damage to a wide range of vegetables,and ornamental plants in greenhouses and outdoors and several other agricultural crops.The two spotted spider mite is considered to be the most dangerous species of this family.It is difficult to manage this group of mite pests by chemical compounds because a kind of resistance can be developed within a few years. Therefore,it was necessary to develop some other control tactics such the use of biological control agents.Predatory mites especially the mesostigmatid mites are considered to be among the most promising bioagent of spider mites.Also,species belonging to the prostigmated mites of the family Stigmaeidae,especially Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez,are well known as efficient predators of spider mites.Apart from the predatory mites,some insects are also known to have the ability to be natural enemies of spider mites.The predaceous insects such as Stethorus species are acariphagous where they feed successfully on spider mites.