| Integrated Management of Phytonemus pallidus (Strawberry Mite) for Sustainable Greenhouse Strawberry Production in Hamedan Province, Iran |
| Paper ID : 1056-IPCA5 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mohammadbagher Safiarian *, Mohammad Khanjani, Majid Rakhshandeh Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran |
| Abstract |
| The strawberry mite, Phytonemus pallidus (family: Tarsonemidae) (Acari: Trombidiformes) has emerged as a devastating pest in greenhouse strawberry production across Hamedan Province, Iran, where its feeding activity causes significant deformation and necrosis of leaves, flower abortion, and malformed fruits. Under severe, unmanaged infestations, yield losses routinely exceed 30%, with additional quality reductions making up to 50% of harvests unmarketable. This study establishes a science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework specifically designed to suppress P. pallidus populations while maintaining ecosystem balance and farm profitability. The multi-tiered strategy begins with rigorous prevention: certified mite-free nursery plants, disinfection of greenhouse structures and tools, and exclusion practices to prevent pest entry. Early detection is enabled through weekly monitoring using 20x hand lenses, with action thresholds set at 5 mites per mid-tier leaf. Biological control serves as the foundation, with releases of Neoseiulus californicus (Phytoseiidae) demonstrating particular efficacy - achieving 75% population suppression within 4 weeks when introduced at 1 predator per 10 pests. Complementary Neoseiulus cucumeris (Phytoseiidae) and Typhlodromus pyri (Phytoseiidae) provide additional suppression, especially in microclimates with higher humidity. Critical augmenting measures include hot water immersion (48°C for 30 minutes) of transplants to eradicate dormant mites, and precisely timed acaricide applications (Abamectin, Fenpyroximate) only during pre-flowering stages to protect pollinators. Post-harvest interventions have proven particularly impactful - systematic removal of crop residues combined with 30-day soil solarization during peak summer temperatures (45-50°C) reduced carryover populations by 60%, while biennial rotation with garlic or barley breaks the pest cycle. Validated across 15 commercial operations, this IPM system increased marketable yields by 40% through improved fruit size and appearance, while reducing acaricide applications from 8 to 3-4 per season (55% reduction). The approach demonstrates particular promise for arid-temperate regions, where its climate-adaptive components - including predator-friendly ventilation management and drought-tolerant banker plants - enhance resilience. With climate change expected to exacerbate pest pressures, such integrated systems offer a sustainable path forward for protected strawberry cultivation. |
| Keywords |
| Phytonemus pallidus, IPM, predatory mites, greenhouse strawberries, acaricide resistance, Hamedan. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
