Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913 (Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904) (Phytoseiidae) in apple trees grown in a greenhouse in southern Brazil: injuries and control

This study reports the presence and injuries caused by Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, 1913 (Acari: Tetranychidae) on apple tree seedlings (Malus domestica Borkh: Rosaceae) in nurseries southern Brazil. The ability of predatory mite Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks, 1904) Phytoseiidae) to control T. infestations this environment was also evaluated. infestation observed during routine monitoring at Acarology Laboratory University Vale do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, Rio Grande Sul. Injuries were leaves, with gradual growth linked population increase ludeni. In seedlings, there defoliation weakening plant. released infested plants controlled populations phytophagous mite. Fifty specimens P. each seedling. while proved be efficient controlling