The document “Identification Guide: Mites and Their Natural Enemies” has been prepared by Belchim Crop Protection with the collaboration of researchers from the Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (UPV). Its purpose is to serve as a practical tool for identifying the main phytophagous mites that affect crops in Spain, as well as the beneficial organisms that act as their natural enemies.
The guide describes the characteristics of mites their small size, morphology, feeding habits and reproductive capacity and explains the damage they cause in citrus, fruit, vegetables and vines: discolorations, deformations, galls, necrosis or defoliation. It includes fact sheets with detailed information on the most relevant species, such as Tetranychus urticae (red spider mite), Panonychus citri (citrus red mite) or Polyphagotarsonemus latus (broad mite).
In addition, it dedicates a section to natural enemies predatory mites, lacewings, ladybugs, thrips, anthocorid bugs, among others that are key in biological control and constitute a beneficial auxiliary fauna for sustainable agriculture
