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Pomegranate, Punica granatumL.(Myrtales: Lythraceae), is one of the most important fruits in Egypt, especially in Assiut Governorate. However, little is known about mite fauna and their population fluctuations in pomegranate orchards. In this study, the population fluctuations of two phytophagous mite species, Tenuipalpus punicae Pritchard & Baker (Acarida: Tenuipalpidae) and Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), and their associated phytoseiid predators, Euseius scutalis Athias-Henriot (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) and Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acarina: Phytoseiidae), were investigated in two pomegranate varieties (Assiuty and Manfalouty) from three cities that produce pomegranates in Assiut Governorate. Mites were monitored monthly for 2 years beginning in October 2018. Of the phytophagous mites, T. punicae was the main mite pest; its population numbers were highest between July and September in both study years. In contrast, O. punicae reached its highest density between May and August. Notably, the numbers of both predatory mite species, E. scutalis, and N. barkeri, were associated with the densities of their prey, i.e., the aforementioned phytophagous mites. |
