Predatory mites, Michigan orchards

Integrated pest management resources for Michigan

IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits

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Predatory mites

Predatory mites can be distinguished from pest species by observing the speed of their movement. When disturbed, predators generally move quicker than pest mites. Predator abundance is strongly affected by pesticide use.

	Zetzellia mali has some tolerance for organophosphate and carbamate (Sevin) insecticides, but is susceptible to endosulfan (thiodan). Z. mali are bright yellow with orange markings and a somewhat pointed posterior.

	Amblyseius fallacis adults (right) are tear-shaped, translucent, and very fast moving. Agistemus fleschneri (left) adults are oval with a somewhat pointed posterior. They turn reddish-yellow upon feeding on pest mites. Typhlodromus pyri (not pictured) is very similar in appearance to A. fallacis, but is slower moving. They are present in the tree canopy from April through September.

Additional information

About natural enemies (from Fruit Crop Ecology and Management)
For more monitoring information and evaluation of available pesticides:
Michigan Fruit Management Guide
MSU Diagnostic Services for assistance in pest identification.
MSU Fruit Crop Advisory Team Alert newsletters for current pest/crop conditions.

This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut, Alan L. Jones and Kimberly Maxson-Stein. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2840).

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 7/24/07