The phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) as biological control agents

Abstract

Phytoseiidae is the most important family of plant inhabiting predatory mites. These mites are extensively used as biological control agents for management of mite and insect pests of crops grown in greenhouses and in open field. Interest in research on phytoseiids has steadily increased worldwide during the last 50 years, resulting in a large number of papers regarding their taxonomy, biology, ecology and practical use. Currently, there are more than 2,700 species described in this family, which are organized in 91 genera. Phytoseiids have been reported from all continents, except Antarctica. Descriptions of new species and conduction of works on bioecological studies as well as on their practical use continue steady. This chapter is not intended to be an exhaustive review of research involving phytoseiids. Instead, it gives a set of statistics about the taxonomy, world distribution and micro-habitats occupied by these mites. A summary of more recent investigations on these mites has been also collated in this chapter. Suggestions are presented for activities that could help improvement of biological control projects.