Observations on predation of Rhizoglyphus robini (Acari: Acaridae) on the alfalfa stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci (Nematoda)

The alfalfa stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn) causes substantial damage to alfalfa crops in Iran every year. Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède is a polyphagous pest of bulbs, corms and tubers, but can be beneficial in some situations. This study examined the effect of R. robini as a predator of D. dipsaci in greenhouse conditions. Pot experiments showed that R. robini caused high mortality of D. dipsaci. The effect of R. robini density on mortality of D. dipsaci was mathematically modeled using the response surface methodology (RSM). These observations suggest that R. robini may contribute to regulate populations of this nematode.