Species of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) predators of thrips and whiteflies: a review

Abstract

The biological control of thrips and whiteflies, major pests of crops in greenhouses, is mainly based on the use of hymenopteran parasitoids and many predatory species. Several species of the family Phytoseiidae are natural enemies of these pests. Although several phytoseiid species have been commercially available in the last two decades, more and more research on their efficiency has been accumulated. Data on many additional species as potential predators has been published but research is still limited. This manuscript aims to present the results of relatively recent research about each phytoseiid species studied/commercialized to control whiteflies and thrips. The phytoseiid mite species are divided into three groups: predators that prey on whiteflies and thrips with a preference for phytophagous mites, those commercially produced for managing whiteflies and thrips, and those needing further research to clarify their potential. Available information about the efficacy and limitations of each species is provided and future perspectives for their use are proposed.