epilachnae Smiley on Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Riddick
et al. 2009). The genus Podapolipoides, attacking grasshoppers, is another genus
which is useful in the natural control of some acridid pests, mostly Oedipodinae and
Cyrtacanthacridinae (Hajiqanbar and Joharchi 2011). Mites of this family are primarily transmitted during copulation and are one of the so-called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) of insects that can have a negative effect on fecundity and
reproductive parameters of the host and or increase mortality during hibernation
(Knell and Webberley 2004). Presently, this family encompasses 32 genera and
262 species that hitherto, eight genera (Eutarsopolipus, Dorsipes, Ovacarus,
Regenpolipus, Coccipolipus, Podapolipoides, Podapolipus and Tarsopolipus) and
18 species have been reported from Iran on beetles of the families Carabidae,
Scarabaeidae, Coccinellidae, Tenebrionidae and grasshoppers of the Acrididae
(Hajiqanbar et al. 2007, 2008; Hajiqanbar and Khoshnevis 2011; Hajiqanbar and
Mortazavi 2012; Mortazavi and Hajiqanbar 2012; Hajiqanbar 2013). The efficiency
of mites of the family Podapolipidae on their hosts is mostly unclear so, evaluation of
this aspect and biological studies on these mites and their hosts can elucidate further
their ability as biocontrol agents in future.
3.4 Conclusion
The mesostigmatic and prostigmatic mites include the most successful acarine
lineages in biological control programs, the reason these two main groups are
focused in this chapter. In Mesostigmata, undoubtedly, the family Phytoseiidae
encompasses the most economic and effective biocontrol agents particularly in
classical programs because of their recognized potential to feed on mites as well as
thrips and whiteflies. Hence, this family has been the subject of intensive studies
about biology, behavior, ecology and interactions with other natural enemies and
recently efforts are doing for mass-rearing methods and finding appropriate strategies for conservation of native species. There is a need to continue the further
identification of native species and extend studies about releasing methods in the
fields and particularly greenhouses. Some members of the family Laelapidae can be
used as augmentative releases. The impact of other species of mentioned
mesostigmatic mites has to be more studied regarding their biological and behavioral
traits. In Prostigmata, the family Stigmaeidae is potentially useful in orchards
specially unsprayed ones. Some families like Tydeidae and Iolinidae are partly
predators and also can play their role as alternative prey and sanitizing agents.
Usefulness of some families such as Anystidae has a limited value. Some other
species or families in the country require more studies like Trombidiidae,
Podapolipidae and Acarophenacidae. Generally, basic researches including faunistic, as well as biological and ecological studies are needed to find and elucidate more
effective and promising natural enemies.
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H. Hajiqanbar and A. Farazmand
et al. 2009). The genus Podapolipoides, attacking grasshoppers, is another genus
which is useful in the natural control of some acridid pests, mostly Oedipodinae and
Cyrtacanthacridinae (Hajiqanbar and Joharchi 2011). Mites of this family are primarily transmitted during copulation and are one of the so-called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) of insects that can have a negative effect on fecundity and
reproductive parameters of the host and or increase mortality during hibernation
(Knell and Webberley 2004). Presently, this family encompasses 32 genera and
262 species that hitherto, eight genera (Eutarsopolipus, Dorsipes, Ovacarus,
Regenpolipus, Coccipolipus, Podapolipoides, Podapolipus and Tarsopolipus) and
18 species have been reported from Iran on beetles of the families Carabidae,
Scarabaeidae, Coccinellidae, Tenebrionidae and grasshoppers of the Acrididae
(Hajiqanbar et al. 2007, 2008; Hajiqanbar and Khoshnevis 2011; Hajiqanbar and
Mortazavi 2012; Mortazavi and Hajiqanbar 2012; Hajiqanbar 2013). The efficiency
of mites of the family Podapolipidae on their hosts is mostly unclear so, evaluation of
this aspect and biological studies on these mites and their hosts can elucidate further
their ability as biocontrol agents in future.
3.4 Conclusion
The mesostigmatic and prostigmatic mites include the most successful acarine
lineages in biological control programs, the reason these two main groups are
focused in this chapter. In Mesostigmata, undoubtedly, the family Phytoseiidae
encompasses the most economic and effective biocontrol agents particularly in
classical programs because of their recognized potential to feed on mites as well as
thrips and whiteflies. Hence, this family has been the subject of intensive studies
about biology, behavior, ecology and interactions with other natural enemies and
recently efforts are doing for mass-rearing methods and finding appropriate strategies for conservation of native species. There is a need to continue the further
identification of native species and extend studies about releasing methods in the
fields and particularly greenhouses. Some members of the family Laelapidae can be
used as augmentative releases. The impact of other species of mentioned
mesostigmatic mites has to be more studied regarding their biological and behavioral
traits. In Prostigmata, the family Stigmaeidae is potentially useful in orchards
specially unsprayed ones. Some families like Tydeidae and Iolinidae are partly
predators and also can play their role as alternative prey and sanitizing agents.
Usefulness of some families such as Anystidae has a limited value. Some other
species or families in the country require more studies like Trombidiidae,
Podapolipidae and Acarophenacidae. Generally, basic researches including faunistic, as well as biological and ecological studies are needed to find and elucidate more
effective and promising natural enemies.
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H. Hajiqanbar and A. Farazmand