Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have attracted attention because of their potential activity against phytophagous mites; however, information regarding their non-target effects on predatory mites remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of spore suspensions and secondary metabolites of Trichoderma afroharzianum Tr132 and Trichoderma virens Tvr2 on three predatory mite species widely used in biological control programs: Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius swirskii. Predator egg hatchability and adult mortality were assessed under laboratory conditions. Spore suspension treatments did not significantly affect egg hatchability, which remained high (97-99%) across all predator species. In contrast, secondary metabolites slightly reduced egg hatchability to 94-96%, compared with 99.5% in the control. Exposure to spore suspensions caused moderate mortality in adult predatory mites, increasing from 10 to 13% at 3 days post-application (dpa) to 15-19% at 6 dpa. Secondary metabolites produced higher mortality that increased over time, reaching 9-11% at 1 dpa, 17-18% at 3 dpa, and up to 22-25% at 6 dpa. Mortality responses were similar among predator species. Overall, Trichoderma applications had minimal effects on predator egg hatchability but caused moderate mortality in adult predatory mites, particularly following exposure to secondary metabolites. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the compatibility of Trichoderma-based products with beneficial predatory mites before their integration into IPM programs.

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) pose a significant threat to avocado production primarily because they serve as vectors for Harringtonia lauricola (T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva) Z.W. de Beer & M. Procter, the fungal pathogen responsible for laurel wilt disease. Unfortunately, effective strategies for managing either the pathogen or its beetle vectors remain limited. To address this challenge, we investigated behavioral manipulation as a potential tool for managing vector populations. First, we assessed the effectiveness of combining visual and olfactory cues in developing an attractive bait station in the form of a tree (later designated as "tree-mimic"). Next, we incorporated known ambrosia beetle repellents (a verbenone: methyl salicylate blend) into a push-pull strategy targeting natural ambrosia beetle populations. Our results indicated that tree-mimics (cardboard tubes wrapped in UV-reflecting mulch and baited with slow-release ethanol dispensers) were highly attractive to ambrosia beetles. They outperformed other tested combinations of visual and olfactory lures. In replicated small-plot trials under commercial avocado grove conditions, plots treated with verbenone and methyl salicylate wax matrix had significantly fewer beetle captures compared to untreated controls. This reduction occurred regardless of whether tree-mimics were deployed 3 m beyond the plot boundaries. Overall, our results suggest that using verbenone and methyl salicylate blend alone as a repellent may, in some cases, be sufficient to reduce beetle landings on avocado trees. While tree-mimics proved effective in attracting beetles, their impact on reducing beetle presence was only marginal on trees with direct repellent application.

A novel biological control strategy using phoretic mites to target wood-boring pest insects is proposed. Phoretic mites are intimately associated with wood-boring insects and can reach habitats inaccessible to standard chemical and biological control strategies. Phoretic mites can deliver microbial biocontrol agents directly to their breeding sites inside tree trunks. These opportunistic mites have diverse feeding habits and behaviors that can be explored for the development of novel biological control strategies. Attributes of different groups of phoretic mites that could make them efficient vectors of microbial agents are discussed. The choice of microbial agents, mass-rearing techniques and possible field-delivery methods for phoretic mites are also discussed.

Litchi erinose mite (Aceria litchii) is the primary pest of litchi trees in several countries, causing yield losses of up to 80

Mango (Mangifera indica) is grown in over 200 countries and is the sixth most popular fruit produced in the world. There are at least 2000 cultivars each with different phenological, physiological, and fruit characteristics. The mango inflorescence has been reported to hold up to 10,000 flowers, however fruit set varies by cultivar, environmental con- ditions, and cultural practices. Successful pollination (i.e., fertilization), generally results in 1–15 fruits on a panicle. Reports from various production areas indicate numerous insect species visit and potentially pollinate mango flowers. Insects documented to visit mango flowers include bees, wasps, flies, beetles, mirids, stinkbugs, thrips, aphids, and ants. This paper will briefly discuss the insects documented to visit mango flowers in south Florida and the environmental conditions that influence mango pollinators.

The lychee erinose mite (LEM), Aceria litchii, is an invasive eriophyoid mite posing notable risks to lychee (Litchi chinensis) production worldwide. First detected in Florida’s Lee County in 2018, LEM has since spread to all lychee producing counties in the state. This study investigated LEM’s dispersal dynamics following its initial detection in a lychee orchard in Homestead, Florida. A total of 190 lychee trees (‘Brewster’, ‘Mauritius’, and ‘Sweetheart’ cultivars) were monitored bi-weekly to detect new infestations and determine the LEM spread within the orchard and in the canopy of each tree. The overall LEM spread across cultivars, the infestation levels per tree, the colonization patterns within each canopy, and the spatiotemporal dispersion dynamics of LEM within the orchard were evaluated. Factors such as wind direction, temperature, cultivar susceptibility, tree height, flushing, flowering, and fruiting intensity were analyzed for their influence on LEM dispersion. LEM infested the first 10% of the trees in 78.6 days, with the following 90% of the infestation occurring exponentially over the next 100 days. LEM infestation level was significantly linked to the nearest affected tree within the orchard, canopy structure and tree height, suggesting a preference for short-distance (ambulatory movement) over long-distance dispersal (wind and phoresy). The progression of LEM within and between trees correlated with rising temperatures, flushing, and flowering intensity, suggests that dispersion through phoresy using pollinators may have also occurred. ‘Brewster’ was less susceptible to LEM infestation compared to ‘Mauritius’ and ‘Sweetheart’. The relevance of these findings is discussed.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are known to damage the roots of tropical fruit crops in Florida, especially in South Florida's calcareous soils. From July 2022 to September 2023, 89 fruit tree fields (18 avocado, 42 guava, 9 mamey, 5 longan, 4 starfruit, 3 mango, 3 lychee, 2 dragon fruit, 2 passionfruit, and 1 banana) were randomly selected for sampling in Homestead, Florida, to determine the incidence and distribution of PPNs and their relationship with soil-related factors such as pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity (EC), and soil texture. Nine PPN genera were detected: Rotylenchulus (73.0% incidence; mean abundance 58.5/100 cm3 soil; and maximum 900/100 cm3 soil), Mesocriconema (54.6%; 55.4; 568), Helicotylenchus (33.7%; 14.3; 185), Meloidogyne (41.6%; 15.6; 260), Pratylenchus (18.0%; 1.3; 20), Xiphinema (13.5%; 0.74; 16), Hoplolaimus (11.2%; 2.13; 72), Tylenchorhynchus (9.0%; 2.43; 102), and Paratrichodorus (8.9%; 0.74; 28). Principal component analysis and Spearman correlation analysis showed that fruit crops, organic matter, and EC influenced PPN distribution. Organic matter was positively correlated to Rotylenchulus, whereas EC was positively correlated to Hoplolaimus, Pratylenchus, and Helicotylenchus. Species in the genera Hoplolaimus, Rotylenchulus, and Pratylenchus were associated with avocado; Meloidogyne and Helicotylenchus with guava and dragon fruit; and Mesocriconema and Helicotylenchus with lychee, longan, and mango. Results highlight that both host plants and soil-related factors are critical in determining PPN distribution and abundance in South Florida's tropical fruit fields, providing important insights for managing nematode pests.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) are essential enzymes involved in RNA virus replication and eukaryotic RNA silencing. They are generally absent in vertebrates but present in some invertebrate lineages, such as nematodes and certain arthropods. Brevipalpus yothersi is a phytophagous mite of agricultural relevance due to its role as a vector of plant-infecting viruses. We have identified two RdRPs on the genome of this mite species that, unexpectedly, are not of eukaryotic origin. Phylogenetic reconstruction and comparisons of 3D protein structures revealed similarity with viral RdRPs of the Partitiviridae family. Both RdRPs retain conserved catalytic motifs at the protein sequence level, and expression was confirmed by RNAseq and qPCR across mite developmental stages, with a peak during the nymphal stage. K-mer profiles showed similarity with mite endogenous genes, suggesting gene amelioration after the integration, or being derived from a viral donor already adapted to the mite. Our study also identified orthologs in other Brevipalpus species, but not in other Acari relatives, supporting that the horizontal gene transfer event is circumscribed to the Brevipalpus genus. These findings highlight an intriguing case of viral gene domestication in arthropods that might influence their developmental biology and the host–virus interaction.

Summary Some species of Oscheius nematodes (Rhabditidae) are insect parasites and exhibit potential as biological control agents against insect pests. These nematodes are associated with endosymbiotic bacteria with insecticidal properties. Using Galleria mellonella as bait to isolate nematodes, three Oscheius species, O. tipulae , O. carolinensis and O. myriophilus , were identified from soil samples collected from Florida fruit tree orchards. 16S marker analysis revealed six bacterial strains isolated from the nematode’s internal tissues, including Providencia rettgeri , Proteus mirabilis , Clostridium senegalense and Brucella anthropic . We cultured each Oscheius species using the specific bacterial strain originally isolated from that nematode. We investigated the parasitic efficacy of these nematodes and their associated bacteria against three key pests of fruit trees, including tea shot hole borer ( Euwallacea perbrevis ), two-spotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae ) and a polyphagous mealybug ( Dysmicoccus grassii ) under in vitro conditions. Results showed that O. myriophilus and O. tipulae caused over 50% mortality in tea shot hole borer after 72 h of exposure at a concentration of 50 infective juveniles (IJ). Notably, O. tipulae achieved a 93% mortality rate against mealybug, while O. myriophilus caused 100% mortality in spider mite within the same timeframe. Oscheius -associated bacterial treatments resulted in significantly higher mortality than non-treated controls. Mortality reached 100% in spider mite within 48-72 h for all bacterial isolates, while mealybug was highly susceptible (90-100% after 72 h), particularly to Providencia rettgeri isolate 3 and Clostridium senegalense . The tea shot hole borer was less affected, with moderate mortality (45-67% after 72 h); P. rettgeri isolate 2 (66.8%) and B. anthropi (58.3%) were the most effective. Overall, P. rettgeri isolate 3 demonstrated the strongest pathogenicity across all pest hosts. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these nematodes and their associated bacteria, with a view to identifying the most promising bio-pesticide combination for controlling insect and mite pests.

Recently, ornamental plants in urban and unmanaged landscapes were found to be infected with several plant viruses transmitted by Brevipalpus mites. The main purpose of this research was to identify suitable tools for managing Brevipalpus yothersi in these environments by evaluating the efficacy, persistence, and rainfastness of selected biorational pesticides, as well as their compatibility with the predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis. We found that horticultural oils (i.e., petroleum distillates with varying levels of refinement, marketed as mineral or paraffinic oils) and Beauveria bassiana (Strain GHA) suppressed all developmental stages of B. yothersi at levels comparable to spirodiclofen, a commonly used acaricide for controlling B. yothersi. The paraffinic oil provided the best overall performance across the rainfastness, residuality, and greenhouse evaluations. This food-grade horticultural oil is exempt from residue tolerances and could be readily adopted for B. yothersi control in urban landscapes. Paraffinic oil had adverse effects on predatory mites. However, predator populations recovered after paraffinic oil application, and the combined treatment of paraffinic oil + A. largoensis ultimately provided better control than either the predators or the oil alone. When properly applied, horticultural oils provide a practical option for controlling populations of viruliferous Brevipalpus mites in urban and unmanaged landscapes.

Xyleborus affinis Eichthoff is a neotropical ambrosia beetle that, in certain regions such as the United States and Mexico, has been associated with exotic phytopathogenic fungi causing extensive tree mortality. Although studies relating its olfactory response to volatile compounds and trapping systems have been published, factors such as the insect's physiological condition, which can affect its recognition or response to odors, have not been studied. Here, we evaluated the electroantennographic (EAG) response of wild and laboratory reared X. affinis females to 70% ethanol, a compound known to attract these insects. The experimental design was developed to consider and compare the following conditions: (i) females collected inside and outside host-galleries, (ii) sexual maturity (with mature and immature ovaries), (iii) age (0, 1, 3, and 5 d after emergence), and (iv) mating status (virgins and mated). Our results indicate that most of the wild females located outside the galleries were sexually mature but exhibited significantly lower EAG response than those inside the galleries. Regarding mating status, mated females exhibited significantly stronger antennal responses compared to virgins, whereas age did not affect antennal sensitivity. Finally, we provide images of the hitherto undescribed reproductive system of X. affinis females, a key element that enabled this investigation. The information generated offers a useful foundation for future studies aimed at understanding the physiological mechanisms and other critical factors related to sensory perception and reproductive condition. For example, factors that may influence the behavior and attraction of X. affinis females to host semiochemicals.

BACKGROUND:The recent evidence of 'northward/southward' migratory behavior of Spodoptera frugiperda in North America underscores the crucial need for comprehensive area-wide insecticide susceptibility data to effectively manage this pest. This study investigated the susceptibility of 24 field populations of S. frugiperda from corn, sorghum and grasses/rice across seven southern U.S. states to four common insecticides: λ-cyhalothrin, diflubenzuron, methoxyfenozide and chlorantraniliprole. RESULTS:Relative to a laboratory-reared susceptible strain, 82.6% and 60.9% of the field populations demonstrated a resistance ratio (RR) of >10-fold to λ-cyhalothrin (≤2289-fold) and diflubenzuron (≤674.9-fold), respectively. Additionally, 10 (or 41.7%) populations had >10-fold (≤67.6-fold) resistance to chlorantraniliprole. Resistance to methoxyfenozide was less common with four (or 16.7%) populations having a RR of >10 (≤24.0-fold). No correlations were observed in the insect susceptibility among the four insecticides. Significant variations in mean susceptibility were found between geographical locations for λ-cyhalothrin and between sampling years for methoxyfenozide. CONCLUSIONS:Spodoptera frugiperda populations in the southern U.S. have evolved extensive and pronounced resistance to λ-cyhalothrin and diflubenzuron. Low-to-moderate levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole are common, whereas resistance to methoxyfenozide is still relatively low. The documented insecticide susceptibility/resistance status in the southern U.S. provides helpful insights into the expected continued selection pressure for resistance on a regional scale, and thus resistance management programs can be improved based on the updated information generated from the present study. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Blunerviruses, family Kitaviridae, infect and cause diseases of important crop plants, including tomato, tea, and blueberry. Despite their economic importance, the epidemiology of blunerviruses and the mechanisms of plant-to-plant transmission remain largely unknown. In 2006, the blunervirus blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus (BNRBV, Blunervirus vaccinii) was detected in Florida, United States, causing disease on blueberry plants and tentatively linked to an eriophyid mite vector. To gain insights into plant-virus interaction and plant-to-plant transmission of BNRBV, in this study, we investigated sap transmission and the potential vector of blueberry-infesting eriophyid and Brevipalpus mites collected in Florida during 2022 and 2023. Although kitaviruses are vectored by several species of Brevipalpus mites, our experiments revealed a distinct vector for BNRBV. Both mite types acquired the virus, but only viruliferous eriophyids of the species Calacarus corymbosi, described for the first time in this work, transmitted the virus. Assays for BNRBV mechanical transmission were unsuccessful. This study marks the first demonstration of a characterized pathogen vectored by a mite in the genus Calacarus within kitavirus. Upon transmission by the eriophyid mite, BNRBV caused characteristic local necrotic ring blotch symptoms in blueberry leaves, and the virus was detected in symptomatic tissues and also in roots, but only at 6 months after inoculation, suggesting restricted or inefficient long-distance movement of the virus within the plant. This paper introduces a model for investigating the transmission of blunerviruses, a rapidly growing group of plant viruses.

This study confirmed the presence and distribution of the eriophyoid mite Acalitus simplex Flechtmann & Etienne (Acari: Eriophyidae), known as the ruellia erinose mite, in multiple locations across the Cibao region of the Dominican Republic. Acalitus simplex is an oligophagous mite feeding exclusively on Ruellia species, particularly the widely cultivated ornamental Ruellia simplex, which is valued for its diverse and colorful blooms. Leaves exhibiting characteristic erinea symptoms were collected from 11 outdoor sites including parks, university campuses, and streets throughout the region. Morphological examination of mites extracted from all samples confirmed A. simplex presence across all surveyed locations, representing the first documented record of this species on Hispaniola. This detection extends the mite’s known distribution in the Caribbean, previously reported only from Anguilla, Brazil, Cuba, Florida, Guadeloupe, Hawaii and Thailand. This report enhances understanding of the distribution and potential impact of A. simplex in the Caribbean Basin and highlights the need for further surveys and molecular studies to clarify its invasion history and develop effective management.

IntroductionThe tea shot hole borer (TSHB), Euwallacea perbrevis (Schedl 1951) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that carries multiple symbiotic fungi and vectors Fusarium spp. to avocado (Persea americana Mill.). This study investigated the role of six fungal species (Fusarium sp. FL-1, Fusarium sp. AF-8, Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp., and Acremonium murorum) as nutritional symbionts of TSHB, and the role of Fusarium species in plant pathogenicity.MethodsFour experimental approaches were used: (1) testing each of the six symbionts as a food source for TSHB larvae, (2) examining the stability of symbiotic associations by rearing TSHB on substrates previously colonized by individual fungi, (3) establishing TSHB colonies with single Fusarium symbionts (Mono-Fusarium Lines, MFL), (4) testing disease development in avocado trees infested with MFL.ResultsFusarium sp. FL-1 and Fusarium sp. AF-8 supported the highest percentage of larval development among the tested fungi. These two fungi persisted in the mycangia of beetles reared on a substrate pre-inoculated with other symbionts. In addition, both fungal species caused the largest lesions in avocado branches. TSHB feeding on the other tested symbionts (Fusarium sp. AF-6, Graphium sp., Acremonium sp. or Acremonium murorum) resulted in poor larval development and/or overall reduced reproduction compared to feeding upon Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 and the symbiont blend (control).DiscussionThese findings demonstrate the dual role of Fusarium sp. FL-1 and AF-8 as nutritional symbionts of TSHB and as key drivers of pathogenicity in avocado.

Abnormalities of avocado fruit have been described and documented previously. Their cause may be genetic, abiotic, biotic, and/or caused by cultural production practices. Mishappen fruit may result from seed abortion, incomplete closure of the carpel, fruit with two seeds, or fruit with one developed and one-aborted seed. In some cases, a longitudinal ridge of peel tissue may develop, or small individual scattered bumps may be observed. Other peel defects result from abiotic environmental conditions such as sunburn, dry winds, water stress, and mechanical injury. Biotic causes include damage from insect probing or mite feeding and disease symptoms caused by pathogens. None of these factors appeared to be responsible for the symptoms observed in the leaf and fruit samples in question. In most cases, only one or a few randomly distributed fruits throughout a grove may show peel deformities that cannot be attributed to biotic or abiotic causes. The deformities observed occurred on nearly all the fruit of an unnamed avocado scion selection on 40 top-worked trees. Fruit had superficial but pronounced protrusions one or more sections of the peel surface. There were no visible symptoms below the affected fruit epidermal layer. No cultural (e.g., chemical spray applications), fungi or bacteria, mites and/or insects cause was discernable. The terminal five to seven leaves on nearly every shoot showed mottling, chlorosis, some leaf distortion, and reduced leaf size. Symptomatic leaves were slightly deficient in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), whereas copper (Cu) levels were much higher in non-symptomatic leaves.

Ambrosia beetles construct complex galleries in the xylem of trees to cultivate symbiotic fungi. Besides beetles and their fungi, a few groups of organisms inhabit ambrosia beetle galleries, including mites. Some of these are phoretic on the beetles, like Histiogaster arborsignis, a cosmopolitan, generalist fungivore associated with many insects in woody habitats. We report for the first time phoretic associations of H. arborsignis with several ambrosia beetles, as well as their feeding on symbiotic fungi of beetles that infest avocados in Florida. Phoretic deutonymphs (hypopi) were found in association with adults of Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus bispinatus, X. affinis and Ambrosiodmus lecontei, all of which have been linked to the transmission of laurel wilt pathogen to avocado. Small colonies of H. arborsignis were found in an X. saxesenii brood chamber as well as in an unidentified ambrosia beetle gallery. In fungal feeding behavior bioassays, H. arborsignis fed and reproduced at least two generations on nine common important ambrosia beetle symbionts, namely Acremonium sp., Ambrosiozyma ambrosiae, Candida berthetii, Fusarium sp., Graphium sp., Raffaelea arxii, H. lauricola, R. subalba and R. subfusca, but exhibited higher reproductive rates when feeding upon Graphium sp. The mites did not perform well when feeding solely on Beauveria bassiana GHA strain and Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T-22 contained in fungal biopesticides. This work is the first step towards understanding the role of H. arborsignis in wood-boring pest galleries and assessing the potential of using these mites in biological control programs against ambrosia beetles and other wood-boring insects.

The Oriental fruit fly (OFF), Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most destructive pests in the world, with 437 species of known host plants. These include many of Florida’s fruit crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Because of the potential of OFF to economically damage Florida’s agricultural industry, an interactive database was created to help emergency programs focus their control efforts by using accurate fruit phenology for all potential hostplants in Florida at any time. For each hostplant, the database provides the counties where it is found, its common and scientific names, and months of fruit production. The database is easily searchable and hosted online, https://go.ufl.edu/offhosts. The database was created by a grant from the US Department of Agricultural, Animal, and Plant Health Inspection Service.

A profile of the hibiscus bud weevil intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. The hibiscus bud weevil, a pest of China rose hibiscus, originates from northeastern Mexico and southern Texas and can cause large economic losses to hibiscus growers. This fact sheet provides nursery owners, homeowners, and other interested people with information on this serious pest.

The lychee erinose mite, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a serious mite pest of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn., Sapindaceae) that has recently invaded Florida, U.S. This mite induces the formation of open galls (erinea) in different plant tissues. Current management methods provide inadequate control, prompting the exploration of biological control alternatives. This study investigated Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as a biocontrol agent against Aceria litchii in lychee plants through predation assays, and greenhouse evaluations. Although Amblyseius largoensis exhibited higher predation rates on Aceria litchii adults compared to alternative prey, its low oviposition rate, inability to sustain populations, and failure to hinder erinea formation on Aceria litchii-infested plants under greenhouse conditions support its low efficiency as a biological control agent of this pest. Factors limiting their effectiveness may include the fluctuation of temperature and humidity in the greenhouse and physical barriers posed by the erinea, restricting predatory mite population growth, movement, and efficiency. This study sheds light on the complexities of implementing phytoseiid mites, as a biocontrol strategy against Aceria litchii. Further investigations into the interaction dynamics between erinea, predatory mite behavior, and their ability to control Aceria litchii inside the erinea are still needed. O & aacute;caro erinose do lichia, Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), & eacute; uma importante praga da lichia (Litchi chinensis Sonn., Sapindaceae) que recentemente invadiu a Fl & oacute;rida, nos EUA. Esse & aacute;caro induz a forma & ccedil;& atilde;o de galhas (er & iacute;neas) em todos os tecidos da planta. Os m & eacute;todos de controle atuais n & atilde;o fornecem um controle adequado, o que motiva a busca por alternativas de controle biol & oacute;gico. Esse estudo investigou o potencial de Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) como um agente de controle biol & oacute;gico de Aceria litchii. Foram realizados testes de preda & ccedil;& atilde;o em laborat & oacute;rio e casa de vegeta & ccedil;& atilde;o. Amblyseius largoensis apresentou maiores taxas de preda & ccedil;& atilde;o de adultos de Aceria litchii em compara & ccedil;& atilde;o com presas alternativas, por & eacute;m com baixa taxa de oviposi & ccedil;& atilde;o. Al & eacute;m disso, n & atilde;o conseguiu se estabelecer e impedir a forma & ccedil;& atilde;o de er & iacute;neas em plantas infestadas por Aceria litchii em casa de vegeta & ccedil;& atilde;o, o que indica sua baixa efici & ecirc;ncia como agente de controle biol & oacute;gico dessa praga. Fatores que podem ter limitado sua efic & aacute;cia incluem a flutua & ccedil;& atilde;o de temperatura e umidade e a barreira f & iacute;sica imposta pelas er & iacute;neas, restringindo o crescimento populacional, o movimento e a efic & aacute;cia dos & aacute;caros predadores. Este estudo demonstra as complexidades da utiliza & ccedil;& atilde;o de & aacute;caros phytose & iacute;deos como estrat & eacute;gia de controle biol & oacute;gico contra Aceria litchii, evidenciando a necessidade de investiga & ccedil;& otilde;es adicionais sobre as intera & ccedil;& otilde;es entre er & iacute;nea e o & aacute;caro predador e sua capacidade de controlar Aceria litchii na er & iacute;nea.