The leaves and stem of tomato plants are covered with glandular trichomes, which protects them from herbivores, although some predators are also negatively affected by the sticky trichomes. In some cases, small herbivores, such as the tomato russet mite (TRM) Aculops lycopersici (Tryon) (Acari: Eriophyidae), benefit from such glandular trichome as it creates enemy-free space. Many phytoseiid predatory mites have shown great potential to control TRM in the laboratory, but failed to do so on full tomato plants. Here, we show the potential of using a small iolinid predatory mite, Pronematus ubiquitus McGregor, as a potential candidate to control TRM. Using supplemental pollen feeding, P. ubiquitus was able to establish and reach high densities on tomato plants. This high density of predatory mites was able to control TRM. We discuss the potential of using P. ubiquitus in a biocontrol-based integrated pest management strategy in tomato crops.
