Phytoseiid dispersal at plant to regional levels: a review with emphasis on management of Neoseiulus fallacis in diverse agroecosystems

Abstract

Dispersal behaviors of phytoseiid and tetranychid mites are key factors in understanding predator-prey dynamics and biological control of pest mites at different spatial levels in agricultural and natural ecosystems. In this review, ambulatory and aerial dispersal of both mite groups are discussed at spatial levels of leaf, plant, crop and region. Emphasis is on dispersal of phytoseiids, and specifically, the specialist-predator, Neoseiulusfallacis (Garman), and two-spotted spider mite prey, Tetranychus urticae (Koch). Dispersal aspects that are discussed are ambulation on a leaf; plant or in a prey patch; aerial dispersal between plants; behavior and aerodynamics of aerial take-off; modeling vs. monitoring of dispersal distance; fates of dispersing mites that land on soil substrates; plants as take-off platforms and landing targets for dispersers; and regional dispersal patterns and integrated mite management.