Abstract
This study examines the predatory efficiency and biological characteristics of Phytoseiulus persimilis in managing Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite) populations under laboratory and greenhouse conditions.Laboratory assessments were conducted to evaluate feeding preferences and reproductive performance by providing Ph. persimilis with different prey types, including T. urticae eggs, Sitotroga cerealella eggs, and decapsulated Artemia salina cysts.Findings indicated a marked preference for T. urticae eggs, with Ph. persimilis consuming an average of 23.5 eggs per day, significantly surpassing other prey types in consumption rate.Greenhouse trials in cucumber cultivation systems evaluated the predator's efficacy in reducing T. urticae populations at a predator-to-prey ratio of 1:10.Within 10 days, Ph. persimilis achieved a reduction of over 70% in T. urticae populations, underscoring its effectiveness as a biological control agent in greenhouse settings.Statistical analyses, conducted using dispersion analysis via Microsoft Excel and SigmaStat 3.1 software, validated these findings.Controls comprised untreated greenhouse sections and laboratory containers devoid of predators to ensure accurate comparative assessments.The results support Ph. persimilis as a highly effective biological control agent, demonstrating significant predation rates and reproductive success, which underscores its potential to reduce chemical pesticide reliance and promote sustainable, eco-friendly pest management in integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks.