Potential of two omnivorous iolinid mites as predators of the tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici

Two iolinid predatory mites were studied in the laboratory as potential biological control agents of tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae). The development, reproduction and predation capacity Pronematus ubiquitus Homeopronematus anconai Iolinidae) on A. investigated. Developmental time from egg to adult at 25 °C averaged 9.59, 9.31 9.52 days for P. lycopersici, Typha angustifolia pollen, pollen only, respectively. H. required 11.18, 10.39 11.90 complete development respective diets. Survival immature stages exceeded 83% all diets both iolinids. In experimental arenas, predators caused a substantial reduction population lycopersici. number mite offspring was reduced by 78% 57% anconai, addition arena lowered this 35% 27% predators. However, supplementing diet with significantly increased fecundity 14–15 24–25 eggs over five-day period. results suggest that have good suppress populations T. can support establishment Overall, developed faster three tested suppressed stronger compared or without supplementary food source.