Population dynamics of some economically phytophagous mites in fig orchards in Egypt with their chemical control

Fig trees are one of the most economically important fruit crops in Egypt. The current research aimed to study the population dynamics and chemical control of some phytophagous mites associated with fig orchards in Tanan village, Qalubia governorate, Egypt, from Mar. 2022 to Feb. 2024. The results showed the incidence of 12 mite species belonging to 12 genera in eight families. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae), Aceria ficus (Cotté) and Neserella capreifoliae Meyer & Ueckermann (Eriophyidae), as well as Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Diptilomiopidae) have become as important phytophagous mites on “Sultani” fig. The predatory mites, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga (Phytoseiidae), and Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez (Stigmaeidae) are the most commonly associated with phytophagous mites in fig trees. The phytophagous mites, A. ficus, T. urticae, N. capreifoliae, and R. ficifoliae have two annual peaks on fig leaves, with A. ficus in late June and mid-Oct., T. urticae in June and early Oct., and N. capreifoliae in mid-May and mid-Nov., while R. ficifoliae in mid-June and mid-Oct. The correlation coefficient between phytophagous mites and the weather factors showed a significant positive correlation with temperature but an insignificant correlation with relative humidity. Two sprays of the six acaricides, vertimec, solo, danisaraba, ceflo, magnifico, and envidor were used to control the previous phytophagous mites in fig orchards. All tested acaricides recorded a high mean reduction percentage after two sprays during the 2023 season. Spiromesifen and abamectin had the highest reduction percentage among all mite pests.