Weekly pollen supply optimises the control of the tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) by Pronematus ubiquitus

Biological control using natural predators offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides in agriculture. However, the successful use of biological control agents is often hindered by factors such as food availability and environmental conditions. This study investigated the role of the predatory mite Pronematus ubiquitus in the biological control of Aculops lycopersici, the tomato russet mite, in a controlled greenhouse environment. The effect of different pollen feeding frequencies on P. ubiquitus populations and its ability to suppress A. lycopersici infestation and damage were examined. Our results show that weekly pollen feeding maintained higher P. ubiquitus populations than feeding once every two or three weeks, by 60 % and 90 %, respectively. Consequently, it effectively limited A. lycopersici damage to tomato plants. However, a rapid decline in predator populations was observed after reaching peak levels, probably due to factors such as cannibalism and resource quality. While the treatment with weekly pollen supply resulted in minimal plant damage, lower pollen frequencies (once every two or three weeks) also provided some level of control. These findings highlight the importance of balancing predator population growth with sustainable food sources to optimize biological control strategies. This study contributes to the ongoing development of integrated pest management techniques in crop production systems, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to predator food supply and population management.