Amblyseius swirskii, a Predatory Mite, Can Help with Biological Control and Integrated Pest Management
Amblyseius swirskii is a species of mite that belongs to the family Phytoseiidae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, where it feeds on various pests such as thrips, whiteflies, mites, and psyllids. It is also used as a biological control agent in greenhouse and indoor crops around the world. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, biology, host range, and benefits of this versatile predator.
Characteristics of Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii is a small, pear-shaped mite that measures about 0.5 mm in length. It has four pairs of legs, the first pair pointing forward, and a few hairs on its body. The color of the mite varies depending on its diet, ranging from pale yellow to tan to reddish. It is difficult to distinguish Amblyseius swirskii from other similar predatory mites without a microscope. The length and position of the hairs on the dorsal surface are important features for identification.
Biology of Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii has five life stages: egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult. The eggs are oval, whitish, and about 0.15 mm long. They are laid on the undersides of leaves, usually near the veins. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are whitish, non-feeding, and have three pairs of legs. The larvae molt into protonymphs and then deutonymphs, which have four pairs of legs and are predatory. The nymphs molt into adults, which are also predatory. The life cycle takes about five days at 25 °C and 60% humidity. Amblyseius swirskii can tolerate temperatures between 18 and 36 °C and a wide range of humidity levels.
Host Range of Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii is a generalist predator that can feed on various small, soft-bodied arthropods. Its main prey are the immature stages of thrips, such as western flower thrips, common blossom thrips, onion thrips, melon thrips, and chilli thrips. It can also consume whiteflies, such as silverleaf whitefly and greenhouse whitefly, as well as mites, such as broad mites and herbivorous mites. Additionally, it can attack Asian citrus psyllid, a pest of citrus crops. When these prey are scarce, Amblyseius swirskii can survive and reproduce on pollen and plant exudates, although its performance is reduced. It can also switch between different prey types depending on their availability.
Benefits of Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii is a valuable biological control agent for several reasons. First, it has a high reproductive rate and a short generation time, which allow it to quickly establish and increase its population. Second, it has a broad host range and a flexible diet, which enable it to adapt to different pest situations and crop types. Third, it has a good dispersal ability and a high searching efficiency, which help it to locate and consume its prey. Fourth, it has a high tolerance to high temperatures and low humidity, which make it suitable for greenhouse and indoor environments. Fifth, it is compatible with other natural enemies and some pesticides, which facilitate its integration into pest management programs.
Conclusion
Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite that can effectively control various pests, especially thrips and whiteflies, in greenhouse and indoor crops. It has several characteristics, such as a fast life cycle, a wide host range, a flexible diet, a good dispersal ability, a high temperature tolerance, and a compatibility with other natural enemies and pesticides, that make it a versatile and reliable biological control agent. Amblyseius swirskii can be used as part of an integrated pest management strategy to reduce pest damage and pesticide use.
References:
(1) Typhlodromips swirskii - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhlodromips_swirskii.
(2) swirski mite - Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot. https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BENEFICIAL/swirksi_mite.htm.
(3) EENY 565/IN1001: Swirski Mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot ... - EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1001.