Release Of Phytoseiulus Macropilis (Banks) To Control Tetranychus Urticae Koch On Strawerry In Ismailia Governorate - Egypt (Acari: Phytoseiidae & Tetra-Nychidae)

• Gamal El-Deen Abdel Magied Ibrahim
• Plant Protection Research Institute, 7 Nadi El-Said street, Dokki, Giza, Egypt,
  E-mail: gamalebrahim51@yahoo.com

Abstract

The predatory mite, Phytoseiulus macropilis was released in a strawberry field at Serabium district (Ismailia Governorate) to control the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. A single release of the predator at a rate of about 5 predator individuals/pit was applied at different early dates in the growing season (Nov. 29, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, 1999) compared with one late release in the growing season (Feb. 14, 2000). Each of the early releases, proved to be more effective than the late release to control the two-spotted spider mites. Pest population reduction ranged between 60-90% after 3-7 weeks from the predator release. Accordingly, the pest population greatly declined during the strawberry flowering and fruiting period, which might positively affect the strawberry yield. Highest pest reductions existed when the predator individuals were released without mixing "vermiculite" or sawdust". The predator individuals moved from the release plots to the control, intermediate non-release plots, adjacent strawberries and cucumber fields and associated weeds, especially when the two-spotted spider mite was available on these plantations. This also, might indicate the possibility of this predator to be established under the Egyptian conditions on the associated weeds and adjacent plantations.