Biocontrol efficacy and application strategies of two predatory mites for pest control
2026 - Volume: 66 Issue: Suppl pages: 182
https://doi.org/10.24349/w3nh-f0ef
ICA 2026 - XVII International Congress of Acarology, 20-24 July 2026, Montpellier
Keywords
Predatory mites
Biocontrol efficacy
Carpoglyphus lactis
Matrine
Integrated Pest Management
Abstract
Overreliance on chemical pesticides in China has resulted in severe pest resistance and ecosystem degradation. This study aims to clarify the biological control potential of two indigenous predatory mites, Euseius delhiensis and Anystis baccarum, and to develop targeted application strategies that address their unclear adaptability, difficulties in mass rearing, and incompatibility with chemical pesticides. The distribution of E. delhiensis in China was first reported. Laboratory assays were conducted to evaluate its developmental fitness and predation efficacy against Tetranychus urticae, Carpoglyphus lactis, Frankliniella occidentalis and Bemisia tabaci. For A. baccarum, a 12month field monitoring in Beijing analyzed its climatic adaptability and population dynamics. Laboratory experiments assessed its predation on key pests in northern China, screened optimal alternative prey and compatible botanical pesticides, and established a synergistic control model. E. delhiensis completed development on all four prey species. The highest fitness (22.9 d lifespan, 18.2 eggs/ female) was observed on T. urticae, while no reproduction occurred on B. tabaci. The mite preferred T. urticae larvae and eggs of C. lactis / B. tabaci; C. lactis was identified as a feasible alternative prey for mass rearing. A. baccarum adapted to northern China’s climate through eggstage stress resistance. It was active from March to November with a bimodal peak in spring and autumn, and an optimal temperature range of 15–25 °C. C. lactis was confirmed as the optimal prey, and matrine at 1:1200 dilution was the best synergistic pesticide. The combination of A. baccarum with matrine achieved 71.7% reduction of Myzus persicae at 2 d and maintained 76.85% control efficacy at 27 d. This study formulates speciesspecific application schemes: targeted release of E. delhiensis against T. urticae infestations, and use of A. baccarum combined with matrine in northern China during spring and autumn. These findings provide actionable technical guidance for matching predatory mites to pest control demands, reducing chemical pesticide use, alleviating resistance, and promoting largescale green plant protection.
Comments
Please read and follow the
instructions
to post any comment or correction.