Ecological Distribution and Species Diversity of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Almond Orchards

Abstract

Ecological distribution and species diversity of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were investigated in almond (Prunus dulcis) orchards to understand their community structure, habitat preferences, and potential role in natural pest regulation. Field surveys were conducted across multiple orchard sites, and mite populations were sampled from leaves, branches, and ground cover vegetation using standardized leaf brushing and beat sampling methods. Results revealed a diverse assemblage of phytoseiid mites with varying abundance across orchard microhabitats. Higher species richness and population density were recorded in orchards with diverse ground vegetation compared to monoculture systems, indicating the importance of habitat complexity in supporting predatory mite communities. Dominant species exhibited strong spatial association with canopy density and prey availability, particularly tetranychid mite populations. Seasonal dynamics showed peak abundance during warm and moderately humid periods, corresponding with increased prey activity and favorable microclimatic conditions. Species composition varied with pesticide usage intensity, with reduced diversity observed in orchards subjected to frequent chemical applications. Functional diversity analysis suggested complementary predatory roles among species, enhancing overall pest suppression potential. Spatial distribution patterns indicated aggregated occurrence in hotspots of prey infestation, reflecting prey-dependent aggregation behavior. The study highlights the ecological importance of phytoseiid mites in almond agroecosystems and their contribution to natural biological control of phytophagous mites. These findings emphasize the need for conservation-oriented pest management strategies, including reduced pesticide input and enhancement of ground cover vegetation, to sustain predatory mite diversity and improve orchard ecosystem stability.