Distribution and biological features of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Tetranychus urticae, T. evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract

The mite family Phytoseiidae contains predatory species used in biological control. However, among the 2,521 valid species, only a few are presently considered for pest management. The study focuses on a species, frequently observed in agrosystems, but whose biology is almost totally unknown: Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki. The objectives were to assess its distribution and to determine under laboratory conditions: (i) the development of three populations fed on three tomato pests (Tetranychus urticae, T. evansi, Aculops lycopersici), (ii) the dispersion along the tomato stem, and (iii) the dispersion from mint to infested tomato leaf discs. Based on its distribution, this species seems to be adapted to Mediterranean climate, and is preferentially found on Boraginaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae. Results show that T. (A.) recki is a generalist predator, with good performance regarding the number of prey consumed. Differences were observed between the populations considered; one population out of the three tested shows even a higher mean consumption of T. urticae than that recorded for Neoseiulus californicus and N. cucumeris. It is attracted by food source and is able to walk along the tomato stem. These results are encouraging enough to consider T. (A.) recki as a good natural enemy candidate for biological control (especially based on biodiversity conservation). Further experiments should be developed to test the predatory ability of this species at larger scale (entire tomato plants and tomato fields or greenhouses).

Ambulatory dispersal of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) along Solanceae stem

“…Three species were particularly highly reported-Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) athiasae Athias-Henriot, essentially occuring in Israel; Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, because of mass-release in tomato crops of this commercialised species; and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki Wainstein widely reported all over Europe (Tixier et al 2020a, Demite et al 2024. Recent laboratory studies have shown that the latter species is able to feed on tomato mite pests and is therefore considered a promising predator (Tixier et al 2020b, Ersin et al 2021). The rst objective of this study is to assess the ability of this species to disperse ambulatory along the tomato stem, considering six varieties of Solanum lycopersicum, S. peruvianum and S. cheesmaniae with contrasting types and densities of trichomes on stem.…”

The predatory mite Pronematus ubiquitus curbs Aculops lycopersici damage under greenhouse conditions

“…Several studies reported potential predator species, some belonging to the Iolinidae family, against A. lycopersici. 13,16,17,18,19,20 Typhlodromus recki (Wainstein) (Phytoseiidae) had good results in vitro but still needs to be assessed in vivo. 19 Homeopronematus anconai (Baker) (Iolinidae) and Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) (Phytoseiidae) were compared and both provided good results against A. lycopersici.…”

“…13,16,17,18,19,20 Typhlodromus recki (Wainstein) (Phytoseiidae) had good results in vitro but still needs to be assessed in vivo. 19 Homeopronematus anconai (Baker) (Iolinidae) and Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) (Phytoseiidae) were compared and both provided good results against A. lycopersici. 13,20 N. fallacis has been judged as having more potential for biological control.…”

“…Several studies reported potential predator species, some belonging to the Iolinidae family, against A. lycopersici 13,16,17,18,19,20 . Typhlodromus recki (Wainstein) (Phytoseiidae) had good results in vitro but still needs to be assessed in vivo 19 .…”