Evaluation of the efficiency of Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1883) (Acari: Laelapidae) in control of plant parasitic nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb, 1913) under greenhouse conditions

Biological control of plant parasitic nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Cobb, 1913) was studied under greenhouse conditions. In the present study, the effect of the soil –dwelling predatory mite, Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1883) (Acari: Laelapidae), on the population development of citrus nematode was examined. Compared to the nematode-alone, all mite treatments significantly restricted reproduction of citrus nematode. Nematode population ranged from 126 to 161 J2/100 cm3 soil for the mite-treated plants compared to 398.25J2/100 cm3 soil for the nematode untreated plant. As a result, Gaeolaelaps aculeifer significantly reduced citrus nematode T. semipenetrans populations under greenhouse conditions

Keywords:

Acari , Biological control , Laelapidae , Gaeolaelaps aculeifer , Tylenchulus semipenetrans , Predatory mite , Plant parasitic nematode