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Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Mediterranean Climate
IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 29 (4) 2006
Crop loss assessment of Pediculaster fletchmani (Acari:
Pygmephoridae) on button mushrooms
Katayun Kheradmand1, Karim Kamali1, Yaghoub Fathipour1, Ebrahim M. Goltapeh2
Ali R. Nemati1
1Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modarres University, P. O. Box
14115-336, Tehran. 2Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat
Modarres University, P.O.Box 14115-336, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: Certain fungivorus pygmephoride mites (red pepper mites, pygmy mites) periodically
swarm in commercial mushroom houses, often carpeting the surface of the compost. Yield loss on
button mushroom caused by Pediculaster fletchmani was studied at different mite densities (0, 10, 50,
100, 150 and 200 mites per kg compost). A significant difference between the control and the higher
mite density was obtained. Regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between
mite density and mushroom yield (P<0.05), with yield decreasing when mite density increased. The
slope of the line was -0.1312, so the yield loss per mite (LPM) was 0.1312 g/kg compost. The fact that
these mites are becoming increasingly widespread, together with the losses caused by them throughout
the mushroom-growing region, mean that they are considered of major threat to mushroom yield.
Information provided in this study may also be used to develop alternative action levels in IPM
programmes for P. fletchmani in cultivating button mushrooms in Iran. To provide a sustainable
alternative to pest control, a variety of control methods must be integrated into pest control programs.
Biology of the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus turkestani (Acari:
Tetranychidae) on four common varieties of eggplant in Iran
Ebrahim Soleimannejadian1, Alireza Nemati2, Parviz Shishehbor1, Karim Kamali2,
Valiallah Baniameri3
.1Plant Protection Department, Agricultural College, Shahid –Chamran University, Ahwaz.
2Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran. 3 Plant pest
and Disease Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: Spider mites are important pests for various crops throughout the world. Host plants can
exert profound effects on biological and ecological characteristics of tetranychid mites. In the southern
provinces of Iran the major tetranychid species is Tetranychus turkestani, which is called the
strawberry or Atlantic mite. The life history parameters of T. turkestani on four aubergine varieties,
Esfahani, Qasri (two local varieties), Blackbeauty and Inerash (imported varieties) were studied on the
lower surface of eggplant leaves under laboratory conditions. Survival rates of eggs on Qasri and
Inerash cultivars were 100%, while on Esfahani and Blackbeatuy they were 93% and 88%
respectively. The larval developmental period of T. turkestani differed on the four cultivars. Inerash
had the shortest development time, while those of the other three cultivars were not significantly
different. The pre-oviposition period of the mite was significantly different for Esfahani, Qasri,
Inerash and Blackbeauty, with the longest pre-oviposition period relating to Inerash. There were major
variations in the total number of eggs laid by each female mite. The total numbers of eggs laid by each
female mite on the four cultivars during the oviposition period were 1-67 on Qasri, 3-95 on Esfahani,
2-61on Blackbeauty and 37-104 on Inerash. Given its survival rate and the duration of the
development time of its immature stages, the total longevity of adults, and the total number of eggs per
female per day, it was concluded that the Qasri cultivar is not as suitable as a host as the other three
cultivars in the south of Iran.
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