As global agriculture intensifies, the need for effective and environmentally sustainable pest control strategies has become critical. Synthetic pesticides, while effective, pose considerable risks to human health, ecological balance, and contribute to the development of pest resistance. This study investigates the dual acaricidal and antioxidant potential of essential oils (EOs) derived from Annona Abdel Razik hybrid, Citrullus colocynthis, and Eucalyptus citriodora against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), a major pest of vegetable crops. The oils were extracted and chemically characterized using GC-MS and analyzed for their fixed oil fatty acid profiles. In addition to their pest control efficacy, the antioxidant activities of the oils were assessed using DPPH• and ABTS⁺• radical scavenging assays. Annona oil demonstrated the strongest antioxidant effect in the DPPH assay with an IC50 of (1.318 µg/mL), surpassing both vitamin C (1.664 µg/mL) and Trolox (2.073 µg/mL). In the ABTS assay, the mixed oil formulation (1:1:1) exhibited the highest scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ = 1.337 µg/mL), indicating a potential synergistic effect among the three oils. These results reflect the oils’ capacity to neutralize free radicals and suggest additional health and shelf-life benefits if incorporated into crop protection strategies. Laboratory acaricidal bioassays showed significant mite mortality with increasing EO concentrations, with Annona oil being the most potent (LC50 = 0.17%). Field trials conducted on eggplant and squash in Qalubia and Fayoum Governorates confirmed the efficacy of the EO mixture, which achieved the highest and most consistent reduction in T. urticae populations up to 76.37% on squash and 70.47% on eggplant. These findings underscore the potential of EO-based formulations, particularly in combination, as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic acaricides. Their added antioxidant properties further enhance their value in sustainable pest management and crop protection systems.
The present study was conducted to explore the diversity of edaphic mesostigmatid fauna in Muthanga range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India during August 2022 to March 2023. The results revealed the occurrence of 21 species of mesostigmatid mites belonging to nine families. The most abundant species belonged to genus Stratiolaelaps Berlese, 1916 (relative abundance: 18.3) of the family Laelapidae. The mite diversity was measured using the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson′s diversity indices. The Shannon-Wiener index was 2.67 and Shannon equitability index was 0.88. The Simpson's diversity index was 0.08 and Simpson's dominance index was 0.92. The study also notes the influence of soil parameters like pH, soil temperature, organic carbon, total available nitrogen and soil texture on the abundance of mesostigmatid mites in the study area. A negative correlation was observed between soil pH and mite abundance (r = –0.604), whereas soil organic carbon (r = +0.358) and total nitrogen (r = +0.55) showed positive correlations with mite abundance. Soil temperature exhibited no significant relationship with mite abundance (r = +0.069). Chi-square test revealed a highly significant variation in abundance among different soil types (χ² = 329.25, df = 4, p < 0.001). The present study highlights significant association between mite abundance and soil texture, along with the positive effects of organic carbon and total nitrogen and the negative influence of soil pH, indicating that edaphic factors play a crucial role in distribution of mesostigmatid mite communities.
The coffee red mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner), is a pest of major agricultural importance in tropical regions. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of two host plants, coffee (Coffea arabica) and Andean alder (Alnus acuminata), on the biological cycle and population parameters of O. coffeae under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5 % RH, and a 16:8 h photoperiod). In addition, the acaricidal activity of ethanolic extracts of coffee and alder at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20% (w/v) was assessed using a leaf-dip bioassay, with mortality recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h and compared with a synthetic acaricide (propargite). The development of O. coffeae was significantly faster on coffee leaves (13.8 days) than on alder (16.2 days); however, fecundity and adult longevity were higher on alder, reaching 59.9 eggs per female. Population parameters were significantly higher on alder (rₘ = 0.254 day−¹; R0 = 52.4 female eggs/female), indicating a greater population growth potential on this host. The ethanolic extracts exhibited dose- and time-dependent acaricidal activity; at 72 h, the 20% concentration caused mortalities of 91.2% on coffee and 89.3% on alder, comparable to propargite. These results indicate that both host plants favor the development of O. coffeae and that their ethanolic extracts represent promising alternatives for the integrated management of this pest.
The application of non-chemical disinfestation treatment for managing the Tetranychus urticae mite pest was investigated in the laboratory. Gamma-ray irradiation at 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 Gy was applied to eggs, immature stages, and adults of T. urticae on guava leaves (Psidium guajava). Irradiation of eggs resulted in failed hatchability, eggs’ viability at 100 and 200 Gy was partially reduced and was highly suppressed (7.59%) at 400 Gy. The effect of gamma radiation on mite biological parameters was analyzed using ANOVA. Gamma rays at 300 and 400 Gy caused growth retardation in irradiated nymphs and delayed the emergence of the subsequent developmental stage; this growth delay is likely a physiological response to cellular damage. Mites may redirect energy from rapid development toward DNA repair mechanisms. The longevity of irradiated females was substantially shortened (p < 0.05) by increasing radiation dose rates. At lower doses, the total number of eggs deposited by treated females was greatly decreased, and at 400 Gy, it was highly suppressed. Mites exposed to 300–400 Gy resulted in a significant reduction in fecundity (p < 0.05). When irradiated males and unirradiated females mated, the majority of the resulting progeny (F1 adults) were males. Based on the results, irradiation with a dose of 400 Gy can be an effective sterilization treatment for T. urticae on guava leaves. Our study explored gamma rays as an environmentally friendly technique for controlling two-spotted spider mites. A sterilization dose of 400 Gy, derived from our laboratory study, can be applied subsequently to adult males (T. urticae) on guava leaves. These sterilized males can then be released into the field to mate with wild females, thereby reducing pest populations over time. This method could use gamma rays for field-level pest control.
The phytoseiid mite Flagroseius euflagellatus (Karg) is redescribed based on female and male specimens collected on Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. in Cat Tien National Park, Southern Vietnam, representing the first record of the species from the country. Previous descriptions are incomplete and contain inaccuracies in leg chaetotaxy and cheliceral dentition. We provide a comprehensive redescription with detailed illustrations and measurements of both sexes, and documenting previously overlooked morphological structures, including the complete setation patterns of all leg segments.
The sublethal effects of fenpropathrin on the oxalis spider mite, Tetranychina harti (Tetranychidae) were investigated. The results showed that, relative to the control group, sublethal doses of fenpropathrin significantly shortened the developmental duration of immature offspring in the LC15 group (P < 0.05) but significantly prolonged it in the LC30 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these sublethal exposures shortened the pre-oviposition period while prolonging the oviposition period of F1 female adult mites. Notably, a significant reduction in mean fecundity per female was observed only in the LC15 group compared to the control (P < 0.05). The cumulative survival rate curves and age-specific fecundity curves indicated that sublethal concentrations (LC15 and LC30) of fenpropathrin did not exert a clearly adverse effect on the survival or fecundity of Tetranychina harti. Both treatment groups exhibited higher net reproductive rates (R-0) than the control. Similarly, the intrinsic rates of increase (r(m)) in the LC15 and LC(30 )groups exceeded that of the control, and the finite rates of increase (lambda)in both treatment groups were also higher. In addition, the population doubling time (DT) was shorter in the treatment groups than in the control. These findings suggest that sublethal exposure to fenpropathrin may compromise its efficacy in controlling this mite population.
Sustainable restoration of eutrophic lakes remains a vital challenge, with probiotic bioremediation providing a non-invasive alternative to conventional chemical approaches. This study assesses the effectiveness of Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology in restoring Lake Jeziorko (Poland), using water mites (Hydrachnidia) as sensitive bioindicators of habitat change. During the monitoring period lasting a total of 35 months (samples were taken each time in July for three years) across littoral and profundal zones, collecting 9,739 water mite individuals from 38 species. Bathymetric analysis confirmed a decrease in bottom sediment thickness, which probably triggered a clear response in benthic fauna. Although the initial year showed a lake-wide increase in species richness, long-term trends reveal a split: littoral communities declined due to external nutrient inputs and cyanobacterial blooms, while profundal communities (dominated by typical lake taxa such as Neumania limosa and Piona stjordalensis) remained stable and showed signs of improved sediment oxygenation. These findings indicate that while probiotic bioremediation effectively conditions deep-water habitats and reduces sediment volume, it is not sufficient alone to counter external eutrophication pressures. Additionally, these studies indicate that profundal aquatic mite communities show a clear improvement in profundal conditions, while littoral water mites indicate that the ecological situation did not improve permanently.
The genus Oribatella (Oribatida, Oribatellidae) comprises 136 species with a cosmopolitan distribution. A new species, O. (Oribatella) prominens sp. nov., is described, based on adult specimens collected from litter and the upper soil stratum in the mixed Shorea robusta forest in lowland Nepal. The new species is characterized by the presence of the elongate prodorsobasal lamina at basal part of the prodorsum. An identification key to the known species of Oribatella from the Oriental region is presented, and a summary of the habitats of Nepalese Oribatella species is provided.
Investigating the potential effects of chemical pesticides on the biological performance of natural enemies is crucial for the successful implementation of integrated pest management programs. In the present study, the effects of low concentrations (LC10 = 5.14, LC20 = 12.55, and LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) of bifenazate (Floramite® 24% SC) on the predation parameters of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot feeding on larvae and protonymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that the appropriate time interval for releasing the predator after the application of bifenazate (LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) was at least 48 hours, as no obvious effects on its survival and predation parameters were detected. Furthermore, exposure to the low concentrations had no carryover effects on the predation performance of the offsprings. The age-stage specific predation rate (cxj) increased with increasing age and stage of individuals and had the highest value for adult females, although its peak value decreased with increasing concentration. The values of net predation rate (C0), finite predation rate (ω), transformation rate (Qp), and stable predation rate (ψ) in the subsequent generation were not significantly affected when the female predators were exposed to the different concentrations. These results indicate that the different low concentrations of bifenazate had no negative effects on the predation performance of P. persimilis and its offspring. Therefore, their combination may play an important role in the sustainable management of T. urticae.
During a survey of eriophyoid mites conducted in Heris village, Maragheh County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in the summer of 2024, a new species, Paraphytoptus cichorintybus Yousefnezhad & Lotfollahi sp. nov., was discovered on common chicory, Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae). The new species is described and illustrated herein. No visible symptoms were observed on the host plants.
The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a major agricultural pest, and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is one of its most effective natural enemies. Since temperature strongly influences predator biology, in the present study, the effects of five constant temperatures (21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 °C) on the development, survival, and reproduction of P. persimilis using age-stage and two-sex life table analysis were evaluated. Developmental time decreased with increasing temperature, while reproductive onset occurred earlier at warmer conditions. Maximum fecundity, net reproduc-tive rate (R0 = 14.62), and intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.35) were recorded at 25–27 °C, indicating an optimal range for population growth. However, adult longevity and reproduc-tive performance sharply declined at 29 °C, suggesting heat stress limitations. These results confirmed that P. persimilis exhibits peak biological performance at moderate temperatures (24–27 °C), reinforcing its suitability as a biocontrol agent under controlled environments but highlighting reduced efficiency under extreme heat. The findings provided practical insights for optimizing mass rearing and field release strategies within integrated pest management programs.
Mites of the family Melicharidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), known from Iran, are listed, based on the literature and new records for six species, taken from samples collected in the Guilan Province, northern Iran. A total of 15 species belonging to three genera, Melichares Hering, Orthadenella Athias-Henriot and Proctolaelaps Berlese, are reported, the most common species being P. pygmaeus and P. intermedius. Information on their ecological and geographic distribution in Iran and elsewhere is provided for each species. Diagnosis for examined species is presented. A dichotomous key for the identification of the species reported in Iran is provided.
Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) is a common predatory mite in the Middle East region. In the present study, the development and biological parameters of N. barkeri when preyed on Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer or Aceria ficus (Cotte) mite pests were investigated. The predatory mite successfully developed on R. ficifoliae and A. ficus. The pre-adult duration of N. barkeri individuals fed on A. ficus (9.24 days) was shorter than that of those reared on R. ficifoliae (10.35 days). Conversely, the egg production of N. barkeri females reared on R. ficifoliae (35.53 eggs/♀) was lower compared to those fed on A. ficus (44.12 eggs/♀). Neoseiulus barkeri individuals reared on R. ficifoliae showed considerable lower values of intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) (r = 0.141 day−1, λ = 1.151 day−1) compared to those preyed on A. ficus (r = 0.165 day−1, λ = 1.179 day−1). Our results suggest that N. barkeri could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling these pests.
The genus Lunoribatula (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) is known from Ethiopia. The generic diagnosis is revised. The redescription of the type species, Lunoribatula polygonata Mahunka, 1982, is presented, based on the specimens collected from branches of Erica trimera and Acacia mearnsii in southeastern and central Ethiopia. Remarks on habitat of L. polygonata are provided.
This study investigates the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the pesticides fluxametamide and Sero-X on the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). As a key biocontrol agent, N. californicus is crucial in regulating mite pest populations and small insects like thrips. Understanding the effects of these pesticides is essential for maintaining effective biological control strategies. In an integrated pest management (IPM) program, selecting low-risk pesticides that target pests while preserving beneficial organisms is critical. To assess these effects, bioassay tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 light-dark photoperiod). Lethal bioassay test results showed that the LC50 values of fluxametamide and Sero-X on adults of N. californicus were 1421 mg/L and 2169 mg/L, respectively. The results showed that exposure to the LC30 concentration of either fluxametamide or Sero-X significantly affected the predator′s reproduction and developmental parameters. Both treatments reduced life table parameters (r, R0, λ, and GRR) while increasing generation time (T) compared to the control. Additionally, maternal exposure influenced progeny life history in varied ways. These findings highlight the need for sustainable pest management that minimizes chemical impact while preserving ecological balance, ensuring natural predators remain effective in agriculture.
Cheyletus kurdistaniensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on females collected from soil under Astragalus sp. (Fabaceae), from Qorveh, Kurdistan Province, Iran. A key to all known species of the genus Cheyletus (females) is provided. The new species belongs to the trouessarti species group of Cheyletus. Within this group, it is classified in the trouessarti species subgroup which is defined by: Dorsomedian setae small and flag-like, dorsal shield with one pair of median setae, hysterosomal shield with 1–3 pairs of median setae, peritremes M-shaped or II-shaped.
The genus Pseudotydeus (Acari: Ereynetidae) is recorded from Russia for the first time. Female and male of P. pusillus sp. nov. were collected from the forest litter in the Carbon Measurement Test Area in the Tyumen Oblast, Western Siberia, Russia. The male is described for the first time in Pseudotydeus. The generic diagnosis is modified.
Saffron, Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is known as the most expensive spice in the world and the saffron mite (R hizoglyphus robini Clapar & egrave;de, 1869) causes direct and indirect damage by feeding on healthy or damaged saffron corms and is known as the most important pest of this crop. In this study, the effect of certain environmental factors including temperature, some soil parameters and altitude, on the population of saffron mite (adults and nymphs) and its dominant predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1884) (Acari: Laelapidae) was evaluated in 5-year-old saffron fields in Iran (Mashhad, Gonabad, Torbat Heydariyeh, Dargaz, and Quchan). The relationship between the population growth rate (PGR) of adult and nymphal stages of bulb mite and predatory mite throughout the year was fitted by non-linear regression. Based on this model, the PGR of adult bulb mite was lowest on June 24 and highest on December 3. For the nymphal bulb mite, the PGR was lowest on August 5 and highest on December 12. The PGR of the predator of bulb mite was maximally fitted with the model, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.612. In this model, the PGR of predatory mite reached its lowest point on August 9 and its highest on January 3. The effect of temperature and soil moisture on the nymphs/adult population ratio (NAPR) of bulb mites was fitted to a multiple linear model, and according to the results, the NAPR increased with increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture. The results of this study can play an important role in predicting and placing the development of saffron cultivation.
This study investigated the distribution and infestation patterns of the gamasid mite Laelaps echidninus (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) on small mammals in southwest China to provide a scientific basis for the surveillance of mite-borne zoonoses. Prevalence (PM), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were calculated, and Taylor's power law was applied to characterize the spatial distribution pattern. A total of 38,423 L. echidninus mites were collected from 4,351 small mammals representing 29 species, with 99.65% recovered from rodents. Rattus nitidus exhibited the highest PM (67.35%) and MA (9.33 mites per host) (P < 0.001). Male, and adult hosts showed significantly higher infestation indices, particularly MI, than female, and juvenile hosts (P < 0.05), respectively. Infestation varied markedly among environments. Adult females, and adults greatly outnumbered males, and juveniles, respectively, and the mite population displayed an aggregated distribution among hosts. Laelaps echidninus is widely distributed in southwest China, with rodents as its primary hosts; host sex- and age-related biases, together with environmental heterogeneity, strongly influence infestation dynamics, with adult females dominating the mite population.
Saffron, Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is known as the most expensive spice in the world and the saffron mite (R hizoglyphus robini Claparède, 1869) causes direct and indirect damage by feeding on healthy or damaged saffron corms and is known as the most important pest of this crop. In this study, the effect of certain environmental factors including temperature, some soil parameters and altitude, on the population of saffron mite (adults and nymphs) and its dominant predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1884) (Acari: Laelapidae) was evaluated in 5-year-old saffron fields in Iran (Mashhad, Gonabad, Torbat Heydariyeh, Dargaz, and Quchan). The relationship between the population growth rate (PGR) of adult and nymphal stages of bulb mite and predatory mite throughout the year was fitted by non-linear regression. Based on this model, the PGR of adult bulb mite was lowest on June 24 and highest on December 3. For the nymphal bulb mite, the PGR was lowest on August 5 and highest on December 12. The PGR of the predator of bulb mite was maximally fitted with the model, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.612. In this model, the PGR of predatory mite reached its lowest point on August 9 and its highest on January 3. The effect of temperature and soil moisture on the nymphs/adult population ratio (NAPR) of bulb mites was fitted to a multiple linear model, and according to the results, the NAPR increased with increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture. The results of this study can play an important role in predicting and placing the development of saffron cultivation.
