BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE AND THE EUROPEAN RED MITE USING THE PREDATORY INSECT, STETHORUS GILVIFRONS MULSANT (COCCINELLIDAE, COLEOPTERA) ON APPLE SEEDLINGS.

The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and European red mite Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Family: Tetranychidae) are considered the important two species mite pests attacking apple trees causing serious damage of leaves and fruits. To enhance the exportation and reduce the applications of pesticides. We concern in this study to use the coccinellid insect Stethorus gilvifrons Mulsant as biocontrol agent for controlling this dangerous mite pests on apple seedlings. The predatory insect was reared on the two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch and released at three levels 5, 10 and 15 adult predator per apple seedling at level infestation 4.23, 4.03 and 4.26 mite per leaf, respectively, while, the untreated one 4.96 individuals/leaf as a control. After releasing the predatory insect the mite pest, T. urticae population generally declined gradually and reduction percent in the population of mite pests after 110 days of releasing reached 75.69, 89.1 and 92.9%, respectively. While the predator insect was released at the same levels 5, 10 and 15 adult predator per apple seedling to control P. ulmi with level infestation 2.33, 2.96 and 3.26 individuals per apple seedlings, respectively. While the untreated one 3.66 individuals/leaf. The percentage redaction in the population of P. ulmi after 110 days after release the predatory insect reached 63.39, 73.57 and 78.33%, respectively.