Positioning Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis as a strong candidate for augmentative biological control of phytophagous mites and thrips

Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) transvaalensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a Type III generalist predator with immense potential in augmentative biological control of phytophagous mites and thrips in open-field and protected crops. In mulberry, T. (A.) transvaalensis was consistently effective against the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus . It was also effective against spider mites, Tetranychus spp., and the mulberry thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori. Being safe to the silkworm, Bombyx mori, adverse effects on sericulture are unlikely. In celery, the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, were reduced by 80% even when T. (A.) transvaalensis was released at an advanced stage of infestation. Similar results were achieved in capsicum as well. In laboratory trials, T. (A.) transvaalensis fed on spider mites from rose, cassava, several vegetables and various ornamentals. Since it is self-sustaining, augmentative releases are sufficient to keep the target pests under their respective economic thresholds. For the first time in the world, a technology for mass production and use of this predator has been developed and validated. Further research is scheduled to broaden the scope of T. (A.) transvaalensis and to position it as a strong biocontrol candidate for sucking pests in chemical-free farming systems.