Phytoseiid mites (acari: Phytoseiidae) from Senegal

Abstract

This paper refers to the first report of mites of the family Phytoseiidae from Senegal. It is based mostly on a survey conducted in the Fatick (Sine Saloum) Region, in the interior, and the Dakar Region, at the coast, in search of predators associated with the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard. The latter has been recently introduced to Senegal, where it is causing considerable damage to solanaceous plants. Phytoseiids have been widely studied in other countries for the biological control of phytophagous mites. Seven species were found in this survey. Measurements of the species collected are provided. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) was only found in 2010. This could represent a new introduction into the country; it is reported for the second time in northern sub-Saharan Africa. This species and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot were often associated with T. evansi and Tetranychus urticae Koch, but their possible impact on those pests was not evaluated.