An Experiment in Biological Control of Tetranychus telarius (L.) (Acarina: Tetranychidae) in a Greenhouse Using the Predacious Mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus telarius (L.), is a well known pest of many plants in greenhouses. It is notoriously difficult to conarol, especially when resistant populations develop, and usually requires frequent acaricidal treatment during the growing season. Biological control has sometimes been suggested in view of the success that was achieved by this method against other greenhouse pests and because the environment is controllable to some extent, but only a few attempts have been made.