Eficiencia de tres especies de ácaros depredadores (Acari: Phytoseiidae) para el control de Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

In this work, the efficiency of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma), Typhlodromus ( Anthoseius ) ornatus Denmark e Muma and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark ( Muma for controlling Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) was assessed by comparing their functional and numerical responses to increasing densities of R. indica eggs. The three predatory mites exhibited a type II functional response, indicating that they can assist in the control of R. indica , especially at low to moderate densities of this pest. However, A. largoensis consumed the highest number of preys with the shortest handling time and showed a superior reproductive potential when fed upon R. indica eggs. A. largoensis proved to be the most efficient of the three predatory mites.