Natural Predatory Enemies of Mango Red Mite Oligonychus mangiferus (Tetranychidae) in Eastern Egyptian Mango Orchards

Document Type : Original research articles

Author

Plant Protection Dept., Fac. of Agric., Suez Canal Univ., Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

Survey for natural predatory enemies of the mango red spider mite, Oligonychus mangiferus (Rhaman and Sapra), on mango trees were carried out in Ismailia governorate, Egypt to determine prospective species for the biological control of this pest. One peak of O. mangiferus during the year, from April to June was noticed. Total averages of 218.84 specimens of natural predatory enemies were found in 240 collected samples. Of these, 176.57 were predatory mites and 42.27 were predatory insects. Twelve species of predaceous arthropods, including mites and insects, have been reported in association with O. mangiferus, of which Typhlodromus pyri Schueten was the most abundant representing 14.06% of the total collected predaceous mites. Most of collected predatory mites and insects were generalist predators. Orius albidipennis (Reuter) was the most abundant representing 46.49 % of the total collected predatory insects. The distribution patterns of natural enemies always correlated with abundance of the mango red spider mite.

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