Grape mites regulation with acariphages application in ampelocenoses of the Western Ciscaucasia

Abstract

Aim . The purpose is to identify the species composition of beneficial insects (acariphages) and mites that form the consortium around Colomerus vitis ( Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyoidea ) on a vine; and to estimate the value of natural acariphages in regulating the harmful pest population when using a biological control method. Methods. We studied how the purposefully accumulated mite predators and other insects released in mass affect the regulation of the mite population. In the experiments, two methods of acariphages’ application were compared: the combined method involving the acaricide treatment + consequential predators release; and the biological method involving the predators release without additional treatment with acaricide. The standard - double acaricide treatment. In the control variant, acaricidal treatments and predators release were not applied. Observations on the development of C. vitis in experiments were carried out according to the intensity of galling on the basis of the trophodynamic approach - the ratio of predatory mites to the average area of Eriniums per leaf was estimated over time, using a specially developed technique . Results. During 2 years of the biomethod application, by reducing chemical pressure, the process of restoring the regulatory activity of natural acariphages took place. Among the acariphages there were identified 12 types of mites, more or less predatory. Along with predatory mites, a new specialized predator, the Eriophyid, in ampelocenosis (predatory thrips Phloethrips sp. ), was identified. Several species of multi-tailed predatory insects were established; their regular diet includes grape mites. Findings. The regulatory activity of native acariphage species showed high efficiency in regulating the grape mites’ population.