Occurrence of phytoseiid species on vegetables in Samsun Province, Turkey

Abstract: Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) are the most common, plant-inhabiting predatory mites and play an important role in the natural control of certain important agricultural pests. Turkey is one of the world’s biggest vegetable producers and Samsun is one of the most important vegetable growing provinces. The aim of this study was to identify the phytoseiid species and their abundance on vegetables in Samsun Province. The study was conducted in 2015 and 2016, with leaf samples of summer and winter vegetables collected during different vegetative periods. A total of nine phytoseiid species were collected. Phytoseius finitimus was the most common species, followed by Amblyseius andersoni. Neoseiulus aristotelisi was recorded for the first time in Turkey.