Paradigm shift in spider-mite biocontrol in Israel: Preventive application of Neoseiulus californicus replaces curative Phytoseiulus persimilis treatments in five cropping systems

Abstract: The red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), is one of the most
devastating polyphagous pests globally, known for its rapid development of resistance to
acaricides. Several biological control agents are commercially available for managing spider
mites, with Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) being the most widely used, typically as a curative measure for spider mite infestation. Here, we report on the development and successful commercial implementation of a preventive strategy for controlling red spider mite infestations across a range of crops in Israel. The core of this approach is application of the generalist predator Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on seedlings or at the early stages of crop growth, supplemented with additional feed to support predator establishment prior to or during the onset of spider mite infestations. In field trials, the established N. californicus population effectively protected the crop from red spider mite damage, eliminating the need for corrective interventions with P. persimilis or acaricides. Subsequently, the preventive strategy has been implemented for over three years in commercial cucumber, sweet pepper, watermelon, eggplant, and strawberry plots under diverse climatic conditions, greenhouses as well as open field, consistently delivering positive outcomes. As a result, it has become the leading tool for red spider mite management in the Israeli biocontrol market.