Meet Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae): a commonly used predatory mite in vegetable crops

Abstract

Abstract The predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), is a generalist predator feeding on multiple soft-bodied insects and mite pest species. It is a biological control agent commercially available since 2005 that has become one of the top 3 most released biocontrol predators worldwide. It is commonly used to suppress whitefly populations (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), thrips (Thysanoptera), and spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) to a lesser degree. This predatory mite has been used as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for vegetable (e.g., peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squash) and ornamental (e.g., roses, chrysanthemums) crops in open fields and greenhouses, and some field crops such as cotton, but it has been demonstrated to be more successful at establishing reproductive populations and suppressing pests under protected structures. Amblyseius swirskii can feed on various food resources besides prey, including pollen or honeydew. It is successful at suppressing pests when used together with low-risk pesticides, when multiple prey are available, when prey and pollen are available naturally (neighboring flowering or companion plants present), or when pollen is supplemented in the field. This predator is a good option to control pests early in the season if shelter and food resources are available for its establishment.