Evaluation of Phytoseiid and Iolinid Mites for Biological Control of the Tomato Russet Mite Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici (Eriophyidae), causes severe damage to tomato plants Lycopersicon esculentum, which results in a wilted, russetted appearance with desiccated leaves. This study focused on the search for a suitable biological control agent against TRM, as an alternative to commonly used sulfur or chemicals. The efficacy of several potential predatory mite species was assessed. Pronematus ubiquitus proved successful in preventing the development of TRM and damage symptoms. The potential of iolinid predatory mites for the biological control of eriophyids is discussed. ABSTRACT: Our search for a suitable biological agent to control the tomato russet mite (TRM), Aculops lycopersici, was initiated in 2013. Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius andersoni, and Neoseiulus fallacis showed a promising pest reduction potential in a curative control strategy. Although these beneficials had a low survival on tomato and were not able to eradicate the pest, plants did not present typical TRM damage. However, their inability to establish in the tomato crop means that their commercial use would require repeated introductions, making their use too expensive for growers. Other predatory mites in the survey, such as the iolinids Homeopronematus anconai and Pronematus ubiquitus, showed the potential for a preventative strategy as they can establish and reach high densities on tomato with weekly or biweekly provision of Typha angustifolia pollen as a food source. When the tomato crop was adequately colonized by either iolinid, the development of TRM and any damage symptoms could be successfully prevented. The potential of iolinid predatory mites for biological control of eriophyids is discussed.