Lime trees are very sensitive to the outbreaks of the spider mite Eotetranychus tiliarium. Phytoseiids are polyphagous predators that partially share the same habitats of E. tiliarium. The predation of phytoseiids species on the spider mite was investigated by imiting the same organic method with Typhlodromus pyri against the red mite. The experiments at Villandry castle (France, Indre et Loire) on the lime trees (Tilia platyphyllos) were based on the introductions of Typhlodromus pyri (Scheuten) and polyphagous phytoseiids Euseius finlandicus and Kampimodromus aberrans occuring naturally in wild limes trees. The population of the spider mite can be controlled with this technique that is actually applied on all lime trees in the park (1200 limes). The generalist phytoseiid E. finlandicus presents potential survey in the park and limits the E. tiliarium population under threshold damage.

• Dates
  Paru le 10 octobre 2010
• Auteur(s)
  Arnault Ingrid, Auger Jacques, Chaudoy Patrick and Carvallo Henri.
• Références
  Acta Horticulturae 881, 1021-1025.