Review of effectiveness and use of Phytoseiulus persimilis A.H. in three decades in Iran

It has been three decades since the introducing of Phytoseiulus persimilis A.H. from the Netherland to Iran in 1987 for biological control of spider mites. First mass releasing predatory mite evaluated on Tetranychus turkestani of cotton and soybean plants in Golestan province, mungbean and eggplants in Manojhan in the southern part of Kerman province with satisfactory results. P. persimilis released on bean plant infested by Tetranychus urticae in Markazi and Charmahal–Baghtiari provinces failed due to higher temperature and lower relative humidity. Releasing one predatory mite to 10 spider mites in greenhouse cucumber under the mean of 25°C during middle March to the early month of May provided biological control in Varamin region. Both P. persimilis and Nesoseiulus californicus releasing at lower spider mites incidence in greenhouse cucumber and providing more than 50% humidity during hot spring and summer months led to biological control during the harvesting period. Greenhouse strawberry spider mites control by predator failed in Hashtgerd region due to the underside of leaf contained higher trichoms density. While greenhouse carnation and roses plant infested by spider mites controlled by this predatory mite effectively in Mahalat and Esfahan region, respectively. Studies side effects of synthetic and botanical acaricides on this predator mite revealed that few are less hazardous and can be applied for integrated management. Cost of mass rearing of P. persimilis on infested bean plants by spider mites can save expenses up to 80% as compared to imported and greenhouse cucumber production free from hazardous acaricide became available.