Selectivity of Three Miticides to Spider Mite Predator, Phytoseius plumifer (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

The predatory mite, Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini & Fanzago), is one of the most abundant natural enemies and efficient predator of phytophagous mites in Iran. The miticides hexythiazox (Nisorun®, EC 10%), fenpyroximate (Ortus®, SC 5%), and abamectin (Vertimec®, EC 1.8%) were tested in the laboratory for their side effects on P. plumifer. The miticides were applied at the highest field recommended concentration (N) to detached leaves using a Potter Tower to deposit 2 mg spray solution per cm2. Percent predator mortality was evaluated from the protonymph up to the adult stage including the first five days of the oviposition period. Analysis of data showed that the total effect values of hexythiazox were below the lower threshold, and thus it could be considered to be a harmless miticide to P. plumifer. In contrast, the total effects of fenpyroximate and abamectin were found harmful to the predatory mite at the highest field recommended concentrations.