Faunistic Survey of Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Pomaceous Fruit Trees and Their Seasonal Population Trends

Abstract

Predatory mites belonging to the family Phytoseiidae are key natural enemies regulating phytophagous mite populations in pomaceous fruit orchards, yet their faunistic diversity and seasonal dynamics remain insufficiently documented in several production regions. The present study aimed to conduct a comprehensive faunistic survey of phytoseiid mites associated with apple and pear orchards and to evaluate their seasonal population trends in relation to environmental variables. Leaf samples were collected periodically from multiple orchards and examined under stereomicroscope for mite extraction and identification. Morphological characterization using standard taxonomic keys revealed the presence of dominant genera including Amblyseius, Typhlodromus, and Neoseiulus, indicating a diverse assemblage of predatory mites in the surveyed ecosystems. Population density assessments showed distinct seasonal fluctuations, with peak abundance recorded during moderate temperature and high relative humidity periods coinciding with increased prey availability. Conversely, extreme temperature conditions led to a decline in predator populations, likely due to reduced prey density and physiological stress. Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive association between phytoseiid abundance and humidity, while temperature exhibited a nonlinear effect on population dynamics. The study also recorded synchronized predator–prey relationships, suggesting effective natural regulation of pest mite outbreaks in pomaceous orchards. These findings highlight the ecological significance of phytoseiid mites in maintaining orchard health and reducing reliance on chemical acaricides. The documentation of species diversity and seasonal patterns provides essential baseline data for developing conservation biological control strategies. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of habitat management, reduced pesticide application, and ecological monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of native predatory mite populations in sustainable orchard pest management systems.