Scientists studied a tiny predatory mite called Neoseiulus baraki to see what it likes to eat and how well it survives on different foods. They tested whether this mite could live on various diets including other small pests, corn pollen, and citrus pollen. The results show that while the mite can survive on all these foods, it grows fastest and lives longest when eating fig bud mites. This research suggests that this predatory mite could be a natural way to control harmful pests in fig orchards, and farmers could even feed it pollen when its preferred food is scarce.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different foods affect the growth, survival, and reproduction of a tiny predatory mite that could help control crop pests
  • Who participated: Laboratory experiments with Neoseiulus baraki mites tested under controlled conditions (warm temperature, specific humidity, and light schedule) over multiple generations
  • Key finding: The predatory mites survived well on all food types (95-98% survival), but grew fastest and had the most babies when eating fig bud mites. When fed corn or citrus pollen instead, they still did reasonably well, making these good backup food options.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a farmer growing fig trees, this research suggests using these predatory mites as a natural pest control method. Even when the mites’ preferred food is hard to find, you could feed them pollen to keep them healthy and ready to control harmful pests.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted controlled laboratory experiments to test how a predatory mite performs on different diets. They placed the mites on fig leaf pieces in a controlled environment (warm, humid, with consistent light) and gave them four different food options: fig bud mites, two-spotted spider mites, corn pollen, and citrus pollen. They then measured how long the mites lived, how fast they grew, how many babies they had, and how quickly their population could grow. This type of controlled testing helps scientists understand which foods work best for keeping these helpful mites healthy and productive.

The researchers carefully tracked each mite’s development from birth to adulthood, measured how long females lived, counted how many eggs they laid, and calculated population growth rates. By comparing results across all four food types, they could determine which diet was most beneficial for the predatory mite and which alternative foods could work if the preferred food wasn’t available.

This research approach is important because it provides practical information for farmers who want to use these mites as natural pest control. Understanding what these mites eat and how well they perform on different foods helps determine whether they can be reliably used in real-world farming situations.

This controlled laboratory approach is valuable because it isolates the effect of diet from other factors that might affect the mites in nature. By testing all mites under identical conditions, scientists can be confident that differences in survival, growth, and reproduction are actually caused by the different foods, not by temperature, humidity, or other variables. This type of controlled testing is the foundation for developing practical pest control strategies.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable scientific journal. The researchers used standardized laboratory conditions and measured multiple important outcomes (survival, development time, lifespan, reproduction, and population growth rates), which strengthens the reliability of their findings. However, the study was conducted only in laboratory conditions, so results in actual fig orchards might differ due to natural variations in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. The sample size was not specified in the available information, which is a limitation to consider.

What the Results Show

The predatory mites survived extremely well on all four food types tested, with survival rates between 95-98%, showing that this species is flexible about what it eats. However, the type of food significantly affected how fast the mites grew and how many babies they produced. Mites fed on fig bud mites (their natural prey) developed the fastest, reaching adulthood in about 5.2 days compared to 6.5-6.9 days for mites fed on other foods.

Female mites lived longest when fed fig bud mites (about 27 days) compared to other diets (about 21 days). More importantly, mites on a fig bud mite diet laid significantly more eggs and had higher reproduction rates. Scientists measured population growth potential using three different calculations, and all three showed the highest values for mites fed fig bud mites.

The good news for farmers is that corn pollen and citrus pollen supported reasonably good mite performance, even though these weren’t as good as the natural prey. This means farmers could potentially feed these mites pollen when fig bud mites or spider mites are scarce, keeping the predatory mite population healthy as a backup pest control strategy.

The study found that two-spotted spider mites (another common fig pest) supported mite development and reproduction better than pollen, though not as well as fig bud mites. This suggests the predatory mite could control multiple pest species in fig orchards. The research also demonstrated that the predatory mite’s population growth potential was highest on its preferred food, which is important for understanding how effective it would be as a biological control agent in real farming situations.

This research adds to existing knowledge about using predatory mites for pest control by specifically testing Neoseiulus baraki against fig pests. Previous studies have shown that predatory mites can control various crop pests, but this is one of the first detailed examinations of this particular mite species’ dietary preferences and performance. The findings align with general knowledge that predatory mites perform best on their natural prey but can survive on alternative foods, which is consistent with what scientists have observed in other predatory mite species.

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory conditions with controlled temperature, humidity, and lighting. Real fig orchards have variable weather, different humidity levels, and more complex environments, so the mites might perform differently in actual farming situations. The study doesn’t specify the exact number of mites tested, which makes it harder to assess the statistical reliability of the results. Additionally, the research only tested mites in the laboratory for a limited time period, so long-term performance in actual orchards would need to be verified through field studies. The study also didn’t test combinations of different foods or examine how mite performance might change across different seasons.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, fig farmers should consider using Neoseiulus baraki as a natural pest control option, particularly for controlling fig bud mites and spider mites. The evidence is moderately strong (from controlled laboratory studies) that these predatory mites can effectively suppress pest populations. If fig bud mites or spider mites become scarce, farmers could supplement the mite population with corn or citrus pollen to keep them healthy. However, field testing in actual orchards is recommended before large-scale implementation.

This research is most relevant to fig farmers and agricultural professionals looking for natural pest control methods. It may also interest farmers growing other crops affected by spider mites or similar pests. Home gardeners with fig trees might find this information useful, though the practical application would be more challenging on a small scale. Agricultural researchers and pest management specialists should be aware of this research when developing integrated pest management strategies.

In laboratory conditions, the predatory mites showed effects within days (fastest development in about 5 days). In actual fig orchards, it would likely take several weeks to months to see noticeable reductions in pest populations, as the predatory mite population would need to establish and grow. Farmers should expect to monitor pest levels over an entire growing season before determining whether this approach is effective for their specific situation.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using predatory mites for pest control, track weekly counts of harmful mites (fig bud mites and spider mites) in your orchard using a simple sampling method, such as counting pests on a set number of leaves. Also record the date you introduced predatory mites and any supplemental pollen feedings. This creates a clear record of pest population changes over time.
  • Start by identifying whether fig bud mites or spider mites are present in your orchard. If they are, research local suppliers of Neoseiulus baraki mites and plan an introduction strategy. Keep records of when you introduce the mites and monitor pest populations weekly. If natural prey becomes scarce, prepare corn or citrus pollen as a supplemental food source.
  • Create a weekly monitoring routine during the growing season. Use the app to log pest counts, mite introduction dates, any supplemental feedings, and environmental conditions (temperature, rainfall). Over several months, you’ll be able to see whether pest populations decline and whether the predatory mite population is establishing itself. This long-term tracking helps determine if this pest control method is working for your specific orchard.

This research describes laboratory findings about predatory mites and their potential use in pest control. These results were obtained under controlled conditions and may not directly apply to your specific orchard or growing situation. Before implementing any pest control strategy based on this research, consult with local agricultural extension services or pest management professionals who understand your region’s climate and specific pest challenges. This information is educational and should not replace professional agricultural advice. Always follow local regulations regarding the introduction of any organisms into your farming operation.