Efficacy of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and selected acaricides in controlling phytophagous mites on eggplant under field conditions
2025
Ahmed, I. Amer | Enas, M. K. Kassem | Hosnea, A. Afifi
Field trials conducted in Gharbia Governorate during the 2025 summer season evaluated the efficacy of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) (At 10 and 20 predators/plant) and selected acaricides (Abamectin, bifenazate, spirodiclofen) for controlling key phytophagous mites on eggplant. The release of A. swirskii at 20 predators/plant resulted in the most consistent and significant reductions in Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) (Mean reduction: 77.52%) and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) (Mean reduction: 86.70%), outperforming all chemical treatments. For Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Acari: Eriophyidae) the 20 predators/plant treatment achieved comparable efficacy to chemical acaricides, with a mean reduction of 70.54%, not significantly different from bifenazate, spirodiclofen, or abamectin. Yield data showed that the 20 predators/plant treatment produced the highest eggplant yield (39,124.77 kg/fed), while the greatest economic return was associated with the abamectin and 10 predators/plant treatments due to lower control costs. Overall, A. swirskii, particularly at higher release rates, provided effective and sustainable mite suppression, resulting in improved yield and substantial economic gains. These findings support its integration into integrated pest management (IPM) programs as a viable alternative to chemical acaricides in eggplant production..
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