Agronomy (2022) 12 (7 - 1491)

Eric Palevsky, Jana Konopická, Diana Rueda-Ramírez and Rostislav Zemek (2022)
A review of prospective biocontrol agents and sustainable soil practices for bulb mite (Acari: Acaridae) management
Agronomy 12 (7 - 1491)
Abstract: Mites of the genus Rhizoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae) are serious pests of plants belonging to the orders Liliales and Asparagales such as onions, garlic, lilies, and tulips. Their control by synthetic pesticides is becoming problematic as a result of resistance development in these mites and environmental and health issues. New pest control methods thus need to be developed. This review provides an overview of studies related to bulb mite management. Entomopathogenic fungi and generalist predatory mites are prospective agents for biological control of these pests while entomopathogenic nematodes and the metabolites of their symbiotic bacteria seems to be less effective. There are, however, many more organisms in the soil that might play important roles in biological control of bulb mites as well as other soil pests of these bulbous plants. Therefore, a holistic approach based on the understanding of food webs in the soil environment and their ecological services is essential for developing effective control of bulb mites. For the rehabilitation and conservation of soil biodiversity supporting these ecosystem services, emphasis must be placed on sustainable soil management (e.g., ensuring green coverage, minimal soil disturbance and high content of organic matter).
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Eric Palevsky, Rostislav Zemek

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
review

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhizoglyphus robini