Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Central West Morocco: new records and key to females of all recorded Moroccan species

Several phytoseiid species are excellent biological control agents for suppressing mite pest populations in many crops and preventing yield losses. This paper aims to improve the knowledge of Phytoseiidae diversity citrus orchards argan forest central western Morocco. The surveys were conducted between April October during three successive years (2017–2019), nine conventional covering an area more than 3,000 hectares on uncultivated plants at altitude ranging from 150 700 meters. Twenty-nine belonging 15 genera found, seven them being new Moroccan fauna: Amblyseius largoensis, A. swirskii, Amblyseiella setosa, Euseius batus, E. dossei, Paragigagnathus molestus, Cydnoseius negevi. Species found leaves: Neoseiulus, Amblyseius, Amblyseiella, Transeius, Phytoseiulus, Euseius, Phytoseius, Typhlodromus, Paraseiulus. Stah AlMadina (24.8%), Ouled Abdellah (15.9%), Nour (14.3%) domains contained a high number (more 60.2%) individuals collected samples. Malva parviflora, Convolvulus althaeoides, Solanum nigrum, Bryonia dioica, Withania somnifera would be interesting companion associated inter-rows this region ensure sustainability, because they host densities diversities Phytoseiidae. A key females all recorded until now is provided.