Mites of major importance on vegetables in greenhouses in southern part of Montenegro

Abstract: Southern part of Montenegro is the most important area for the vegetable production, both in greenhouses and open fields. The main areas are Zetsko-Bjelopavlićka plain and Montenegro coast where vegetable production in greenhouses is very common. Tomato, sweet pepper, cucumber, mangold and lettuce are dominantly cultivated. Aubergine, onion and beans are less grown. Presence of mites on vegetables in greenhouses were observed in 2013-2022 in these main vegetable production areas. Results of monitoring showed presence of certain mite species every year. The most common is two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) which is the most widespread and found in almost all inspected localities, particularly on cucumbers, aubergine and tomato. Also, widespread and found to cause serious damage is carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus), especially on tomatoes and less on aubergine. On several occasions its presence was detected on beans also. Although not widespread as the previous two species, the broad mite (Polyphagotarsoneumus latus) is detected as a very serious problem on sweet pepper. Results of our monitoring also showed that in greenhouses mites are dominantly chemically controlled, often together with some insect pests. Consequently, biological control is currently not practiced. After presence of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis was detected in several greenhouses in high population density on cucumber, we assume that this could be a promising starting point for a future biocontrol strategy.