Biological Control of Tetranychus evansi using predatory insects and mites in New Zealand
2026 - Volume: 66 Issue: Suppl pages: 184
https://doi.org/10.24349/p6e0-hycw
ICA 2026 - XVII International Congress of Acarology, 20-24 July 2026, Montpellier
Keywords
Tetranychus evansi
Biological control
Neoseiulus californicus
Buchananiella whitei
Integrated pest management
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of biological control against Tetranychus evansi, the tomato red spider mite. Native to South America, this invasive pest has emerged as a global threat to solanaceous crops, particularly tomatoes and eggplants. Given that this mite has developed high resistance to both chemical pesticides and traditional predatory mites, this research aimed to evaluate the use of natural insect predators, and explore strategies to enhance the performance of predatory mites against this pest. The study was conducted through two experimental approaches. In the first experiment, we assessed the predation rates, survival, and developmental success of green lacewing (Mallada basalis) and minute pirate bug (Buchananiella whitei) when feeding on T. evansi, utilizing 20 individuals per treatment. The second experiment focused on the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus. In order to increase the low egg production observed when N. californicus feeds exclusively on T. evansi, we introduced Carpoglyphus lactis as an alternative food source and evaluated the effects of this supplemental diet on both egg production and predation efficacy of N. californicus against the target pest, using 20 individuals per treatment. The first experiment revealed that while both green lacewing larvae and minute pirate bug adults were effective predators of T. evansi, their long-term viability differed significantly. Green lacewing larvae were unable to survive for extended periods or develop to subsequent life stages when feeding on T. evansi. In contrast, minute pirate bugs displayed a lower initial predation rate but demonstrated a significantly higher survival rate, indicating its potential as a more sustainable biological control agent. The second experiment showed that the presence of C. lactis as an alternative food resource significantly increased egg production in N. californicus without compromising the mite’s ability to prey on T. evansi. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the strong potential of biological control agents for managing T. evansi populations. By identifying and promoting sustainable predator-prey interactions and utilizing alternative food sources to sustain predator populations, these approaches contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. These findings offer a practical framework for reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and protecting New Zealand’s high-value solanaceous crops from invasive pests such as T. evansi.
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