Integrated pest management programs are very important in the control of invertebrate pests within
apple orchards. Many current integrated pest management strategies concentrate on specialist predatory species.
However, generalist beneficial insects, such as several mite species, must also be fully researched for their potential in
controlling pests. Previous research has shown that the generalist predatory mite
Anystis baccarum (Linnaeus) can offer
much potential in controlling invertebrate pests within Northern Irish apple orchards. However, apple growers have
been mis-identifying this beneficial species as the economic pest European fruit tree red spider mite,
Panonychus ulmi
(Koch). As a result, unnecessary pesticide applications have been applied against what has now been confirmed as a
beneficial species. To aid apple growers in the identification of
A. baccarum, identification cards were produced.
Positive uptake of the cards by many apple growers has resulted in correct identification of
A. baccarum from
P. ulmi,
and therefore, a reduction in chemical pesticide applications. The benefits of
A. baccarum within orchard ecosystems
is discussed.
