BE1027502A1 - New breeding and controlled release processes for predatory mites - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55 eggs / day / female, such as ≥ 0.60, ≥ 0.65, ≥ 0.70, ≥ 0.75, ≥ 0.80, ≥ 0.90, ≥ 0.95, ≥ 1.00, ≥ 1.05, ≥ 1.10, ≥ 1.15, ≥ 1.20, ≥ 1.25, ≥ 1.30, ≥ 1.35, ≥ 1.40, ≥ 1.45, ≥ 1.50, ≥ 1.55, ≥ 1.60, ≥ 1.65, ≥ 1.70, ≥ 1.75, ≥ 1.80, ≥ 1.85, ≥ 1.90, ≥ 1.95 or ≥ 2.00 eggs / day / female, while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey , preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting stages immobilized life cycle including immobilized eggs. The invention further relates to methods of breeding the same.

Description

New breeding and controlled release processes for predatory mites BE2019 / 5584 This national application is filed alongside an international application filed on September 3, 2019 in the name of BIO-BEE SDE ELIY AHU LTD relating to a similar invention, for which the EPO has been selected as an International Searching Authority. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of biological control agents for the protection of crops, and more particularly to new means and methods of breeding biological control agents against pests of pests. cultures.

Background of the Invention The use of arthropods (insects and mites) as biological control agents (BCA) is a growing field with many advantages over chemical pest control. BCAs made up of arthropods are able to naturally control other species of arthropods which act as pests on the crop.

Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family. This predatory mite is most frequently used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops produced in mild environments. A Phytoseiulus mite can consume up to seven adult spider mites or several dozen of their eggs per day. A well-fed female lays about 50 eggs in her lifetime. The genus Phytoseiulus contains four known species, namely: P.

persimilis, P. longipes, P. macropilis and P. fragariae (Chant and McMurtry 2006). All species of the genus Phytoseiulus are considered to be type 1 predators, ie highly specific to a diet consisting of spider mites, preferably of the genus Tetranychus (McMurtry and Croft 1997). The most frequently used species of this genus for the biological control of spider mites is BE2019 / 5584 Phytoseiulus persimilis. Adult Phytoseiulus persimilis (P. persimilis) are bright reddish-orange in color, with long legs and a pear-shaped body (approximately 0.5 mm in length). P. persimilis is considered to be a specialist with regard to spider mites (mites of the Tetranychidae family) which are phytophagous mites (Helle and Sabelis 1985, Gerson et al. 2003). Gerson et al. 2003 specifically states that "members of the genus Phytoseiulus live and place their eggs almost exclusively within the septate colonies of Tetranychus species". It is further noted in Gerson et al. 2003 that "the specificity of P. persimilis for spider mite prey may be a disadvantage if other predators are present on the same plants".

It was discovered that P. persimilis could develop and possibly reproduce by feeding on another phytophagous mite (feeding on plants), Steneotarsonemus pallidus of the Tarsonemidae family (Simmonds, SP, 1970). A significant disadvantage of producing a predatory mite which feeds exclusively on phytophagous mites, such as spider mites, is that it requires the rearing of prey mites on plants, which is expensive. Walzer and Schausberger, 1999, examined the intra- and interspecific predation of adult females and immature stages of the more generalist Neoseiulus californicus and of the specialist Phytoseiulus persimilis. Both adult females and immature individuals of both predators were reported to have higher predation rates on larvae than on eggs and protonymphs. Predation on P. persimilis by N. californicus was found to be more severe than vice versa. P. persimilis has been reported to have higher predation rates on conspecifics than on heterospecifics and is more prone to cannibalism than N. californicus. In addition, it was reported that when receiving phytoseiid prey, P. persimilis suffered higher mortality than N. californicus.

Walzer and Schausberger, 1999 further teach that females of P. persimilis BE2019 / 5584 were not able to maintain oviposition, regardless of the con or heterospecific character of the prey. In addition, the mortality of immature individuals of P. persimilis was lower when they fed on conspecific versus heterospecific larvae. These authors concluded that for P. persimilis, neither the heterospecific nor the conspecific prey provide sufficient food to maintain reproduction. This is supported by Yao and Chant (1989), who report that P. persimilis did not produce eggs when feeding by cannibalism or on immature individuals of Iphyseius degenerans. Only two females in this study laid a single egg when feeding by cannibalism on conspecifics. In summary, it has been found that P. persimilis is able to develop by feeding on juvenile predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus and Iphyseius degenerans of the Phytoseiidae family. However, it did not lay eggs when feeding on these prey mites. On the other hand, when the predatory mites N. californicus and I. degenerans fed on P. persimilis, they laid eggs (Yao and Chant, 1989). This demonstrates the narrow dietary range of P. persimilis in contrast to other mites of the same family.

P. persimilis could also grow in a cannibalistic fashion, feeding on its own younger stages. When feeding in this way, there were rare cases of oviposition (Walzer and Schausberger, 1999; Yao and Chant, 1989). In all cases where the Phytoseiidae mites have been used as prey, the latter has been fed with spider mites, which develop on plants and this therefore involves high costs. In addition, P. persimilis has been found to grow on the larvae of thrips (a phytophagous insect), but that it does not lay eggs by feeding on this diet (Walzer 2004). This is in contrast to the predatory mite N. califonicus which was able to reproduce by feeding on this prey (Walzer 2004). It should be noted that in this study, a high rate of mortality was reported during juvenile development.

US Patent 9,781,937 and Patent EP 2612551 disclose a composition based on BE2019 / 5584 of mites comprising predatory mite species selected from Mesostigmatid mite species or Prostigmatid mite species and a food source for predatory mite species including Astigmatid mite species. It is further disclosed in these publications that at least a fraction of the Astigmatid individuals are immobilized and that the immobilized Astigmatid individuals are contacted with a fungal reducing agent comprising a population of mites reducing the fungi selected from a species of. mycophagous mite or a species of mite that produces antifungal exudates.

US Patent 7,947,269 teaches a mite-based composition comprising a breeding population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a population of mock hosts comprising at least one species selected from the Carpoglyphidae family.

US Pat. No. 8,097,248 discloses a mite-based composition comprising a breeding population of the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii, a dummy host population comprising at least one Astigmatid mite species selected from the group consisting of: 1) Carpoglyphidae, ii) Pyroglyphidae and iii) Glyciophagidae.

US Patent 8,733,283 discloses a method of breeding predatory mites by providing a feed source for prey mites which comprises dextrose; breeding Thyreophagus entomophagus prey mites to feed on said food source; providing predatory mites which feed on Thyreophagus entomophagus at a starting ratio of predatory mites to prey mites of 1:10 to 1: 100, and breeding predatory mites by feeding them on said prey mites, to create a population reproductive.

US Patents 8,733,283 and EP2048941 teach that Phytoseiulus persimilis can be bred by feeding it only on spider mites. They report that P. persimilis is an obligate spider mite predator and cannot survive by feeding on other food sources such as pollen. It is pointed out in these publications that survival tends to be poor if the prey is in limited quantity.

Patent EP2380436 discloses a composition based on mites comprising a breeding population of a species of phytoseiid predatory mite and a population of at least one species of the order Astigmata characterized in that the population of the 5 species of the Astigmata order is not alive.

Document WO2007075081 discloses a composition based on mites comprising a breeding population of a species of phytoseiid predatory mite and a population of dummy hosts characterized in that the population of dummy hosts comprises at least one species selected from among the Glyciphagidae family. When referring to the phytoseiid mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, it is stated that spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are the best prey. None of the above patent documents discloses or teaches the successful breeding of the important predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis by feeding it to mites of the order Astigmata in any form or at any stage of development. is. On the contrary, all of the above patent documents and scientific publications report that P. persimilis is an obligate spider mite predator and that it cannot survive by feeding on other food sources. Therefore, an entomologist / acarologist would not consider P. persimilis as a generalist type species of the Phytoseiidae family or the Amblyseiinae subfamily but rather as a highly specific species. In view of the above, there has been a long felt need for effective and efficient mass rearing of Phytoseiulus persimilis for the biological control of crop pests. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of insect control and more specifically to a system and method for breeding biological control agents against crop pests.

The object of the present invention is to disclose a population of predatory mites BE2019 / 5584 comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey. , preferably non-spider mite immobilized arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular of a Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the population of predatory mites as defined above, in which at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are capable of reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein at least 10% of female individuals in the population are capable of oviposition by themselves. feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as that> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10 ,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35, = 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60 ,> 1.65, = 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably an immobilized Astigmatid prey BE2019 / 5584 exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the population of predatory mites as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55, such as. that> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10 ,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35, = 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60 ,> 1.65, = 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85, = 1.90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female, when uses non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole food source.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the at least 10% of female individuals are capable of completing a complete ontogenetic cycle, when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole food source.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on the prey not spider mite.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9 or 10 generations.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1, 10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to 1.40, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.25 to 1.40, from BE2019 / 5584 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1 , 10 to 1.35, 1.10 to 1.30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20 by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably Astigmatid prey immobilized with immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which female individuals exhibit predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species, preferably predatory behavior characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 10, preferably at least 15, more preferably at least 19 eggs per female in 5 days. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the population exhibits an increased reproduction rate compared to a population of predatory Phytoseiulus controls of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, less than 10%. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55 eggs / day / female, such as > 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10, > 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50, = 1.55,> 1.60, > 1.65, = 1.70, = 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female, while feeding on 'non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females by at least 40% by feeding on non-spider mite prey.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals in the population are characterized by an ability to produce. female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 generations. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1, 10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to 1.40, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.25 to 1.40, 1.30 to 1.40, or 1.10 to 1.35, 1.10 to 1.30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30 %, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80 %, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably arthropod prey non-immobilized spider mite, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including eggs immobilized.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose a population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably arthropod prey. non-immobilized spider mite, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, BE2019 / 5584 most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages comprising immobilized eggs, compared to a control population of Phytoseiulus predators of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproduction by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs, less than 10%. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein reproduction enhanced by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is characterized by at least one of: an increased daily reproduction rate, an increased daily oviposition rate, an increased survival rate, an increased percentage of female individuals reproducing by feeding on said prey, and improved predatory behavior towards a Tetranychidae .

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the population of predatory mites as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which the predatory individuals are from a species selected from among

Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the predatory mite population as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein breeding while feeding non-spider mite prey is breeding while receiving non-spider mite prey. feed a species of Astigmatid mite selected from: 1) Carpoglyphidae such as those of the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis; ii) Pyroglyphidae such as those of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; of the genus Euroglyphus, for example Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example BE2019 / 5584 Pyroglyphus africanus; iii) Glycyphagidae such as those of the Ctenoglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermedius, or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii, Ctenoglyphus palmifer; of the subfamily Glycyphaginae, such as those of the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or of the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphidphidpoglyphus michaelphus, Lepidoglyphidphus fogus michael destructor, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; of the Aëroglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the Aëroglyphus genus, for example Aëroglyphus robustus; of the Labidophorinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Gohieria, for example Gohieria. fusca; or of the Nycteriglyphinae subfamily such as those of the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or of the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, such as of the genus Chortoglyphus for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably is selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, from more preferably selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor; iv) Acaridae such as those of the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, of the genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus farris, Acarus gracilis; of the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, of the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus; of the genus Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus; v) Suidasiidae such as those of the genus Suidasia, such as Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a mite-based composition comprising a population of predatory mites as defined in any one of the above paragraphs together with a carrier material, such as a selected carrier material. from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, BE2019 / 5584 rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising shelters for the mites.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a composition based on mites as defined above, comprising a food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the food source comprises a non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably an immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as a non-phytophagous prey, preferably an Astigmatid prey, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as an immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular a species of Carpoglyphus, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the use of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably of an immobilized non-spider mite species of arthropod, such as a non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an immobilized species. of Astigmatid, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including eggs immobilized, as a food source, preferably as farmed prey, for a population of predatory mites of predatory individuals Phytoseiulus as defined in any one of the above paragraphs.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the use as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said use comprises the release of individuals of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably of 'an immobilized non-spider mite species of arthropod, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably a immobilized Astigmatid species, particularly a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, preferably the use comprises the release of the non-spider mite arthropod species using a device comprising an outlet for mobile stages of the BE2019 / 5584 life cycle of the non-spider mite arthropod mite species, preferably an outlet suitable for providing a sustained release of a certain number of moving stages in the life cycle.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the use as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said use comprises the application of individuals of a non-spider mite species of arthropod to a plant. target, preferably of an immobilized non-spider mite species of arthropod, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as Most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, particularly a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, or a mixture of immobilized life cycle stages including eggs and mobile stages of the life cycle. non-spider mite arthropod species. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a device for the release of individuals of a species of predatory mite Phytoseiulus, said device comprising a reservoir containing a population of predatory mites as defined in any one of the paragraphs. above, preferably in a composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the device comprises an outlet for the mobile stages of the life cycle of the predatory mite species Phytoseiulus, preferably an output suitable for providing sustained release from a number of moving stages in the life cycle.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the use of a population of predatory mites as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, or of a composition based on mites as defined in any of the above paragraphs, preferably in a device as defined in any of the above paragraphs, for crop protection. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method of rearing predatory Phytoseiulus individuals, said method comprising providing a population of predatory mites as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, preferably in a composition as defined in any one BE2019 / 5584 of the above paragraphs, and allowing the predatory Phytoseiulus individuals to feed on the non-spider mite arthropod prey.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method for obtaining a population of predatory mites as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a population of d 'breeding a predatory mite species selected from the genus Phytoseiulus, said breeding population comprising individuals of the species Phytoseiulus preferably together with a food source suitable for individuals Phytoseiulus, said food source comprising a prey species selected from Tetranychidae; (b) providing a preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod, preferably an Astigmatid mite species, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid mite species having immobilized life cycle stages comprising immobilized eggs; (c) providing the preselected non-spider mite arthropod species to Phytoseiulus individuals as a food source; (d) selection of those Phytoseiulus individuals which are capable of reproduction while using the preselected non-spider mite arthropod individuals as a food source; (e) rearing the selected Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with a food source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod; (f) optionally, alternately, breeding the selected Phytoseiulus individuals in a sequence of:

- breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a BE2019 / 5584 feed source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod; - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the prey species selected from Tetranychidae. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the method further comprises the steps of a. separation of eggs from the preselected non-spider mite species; b. mixing the separated eggs with a carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof and water, so as to coat the carrier material with a layer of eggs; vs. freezing the mixture; and D. breeding Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with the mixture as a source of food. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the breeding population provided is a population composed of a number of sub-populations, wherein said subpopulations originate from distinct sources, such as distinct production populations and / or isolated natural populations from distinct geographic locations.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the breeding population provided comprises at least 100 individuals, such as between 200 and 5,000 individuals, preferably between 500 and 1500 individuals.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose a method for obtaining a population of predatory mites capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as a non-spider mite. non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs, said method comprising the steps of : at. providing a breeding population of a predatory mite species selected from the genus Phytoseiulus, said breeding population comprising individuals of the species Phytoseiulus, reared by being fed a food source suitable for the individuals Phytoseiulus, said food source comprising a prey species selected from the species Tetranychidae of the genus Phytoseiulus; b. providing a population of individuals of a preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod, preferably of an Astigmatid mite species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid mite species with immobilized stages of the cycle life including immobilized eggs; vs. rearing Phytoseiulus individuals by feeding them the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod as a food source.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, further comprising the steps of: d. selection of Phytoseiulus individuals which are capable of reproduction while using the preselected non-spider mite arthropod individuals as a food source; e. rearing of selected Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with a food source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod;

f. optionally, alternately, breeding of the selected Phytoseiulus individuals according to BE2019 / 5584 a sequence of: - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the preselected species of arthropod no spider mite; - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the prey species selected from Tetranychidae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a mite-based composition comprising a population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 20 together with immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably non-spider mite arthropod prey. immobilized comprising immobilized eggs, such as an immobilized Astigmatid mite species exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages comprising frozen eggs, in which the eggs are coated with a carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust , wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising shelters for mites, or in which the carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or By mixing these, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising mite shelters is coated with the immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a device for the release of individuals of a species of predatory mite Phytoseiulus, said device comprising a reservoir containing the composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the reservoir comprises an outlet for the mobile stages of the life cycle of the predatory mite species Phytoseiulus, preferably an outlet suitable for providing a sustained release of a number of mobile stages of the life cycle .

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a composition for controlling biological BE2019 / 5584 in which the composition comprises a. a predatory mite population comprising individuals of at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs; and B. a population of prey mites comprising individuals of non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, and c. optionally a carrier, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a carrier having vector elements including shelters for mites.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are capable of reproducing by feeding on them. 'non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably prey

Immobilized Astigmatid, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, especially Carpoglyphus prey, with immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably a immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, with immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein at least 10% of female individuals of the population are capable of oviposition by feeding. of immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least at least 0.50, such that> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65, = 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1, 05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25, = 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1, 55, = 1.60, = 1.65,> 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day /female.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as > 0.55, = 0.60, = 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05, > 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, > 1.60, = 1.65, = 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female , when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole food source.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the at least 10% of the female individuals are capable of completing an ontogenetic cycle. complete by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole food source.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on non-spider mite prey. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the at least 10% of female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 generations.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to 1.40, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.25 to 1.40, 1.30 to 1.40, or 1.10 to 1 , 35, 1.10 to 1.30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20 by feeding on non-spider mite prey. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which female individuals exhibit predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species, preferably predatory behavior characterized by a daily reproduction rate of at least 10, preferably at least 15, more preferably at least 19 eggs per female in 5 days.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population exhibits an increased reproduction rate compared to a population of control Phytoseiulus predators. of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on prey

Immobilized astigmatid with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, less than 10%. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05, = 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25, = 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, = 1.60, = 1.65,> 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90, = 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as prey Immobilized astigmatid, particularly from Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on non-spider mite prey.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the at least 10% of female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 generations.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to 1.40, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.25 to 1.40, 1.30 to 1.40, or 1.10 to 1 , 35, 1.10 to 1.30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30% , at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80% , at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably non-spider mite prey. immobilized spider mite, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, showing stages immobilized life cycle including immobilized eggs.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably non-spider mite prey. immobilized spider mite, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, showing stages immobilized life cycle including immobilized eggs, compared to a control Phytoseiulus predator population of the same species including a fraction of female individuals capable of reproduction by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages comprising immobilized eggs, less than 10%.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the BE2019 / 5584 biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is characterized by at least one of: an increased daily reproduction rate, an increased daily oviposition rate, an increased survival rate, an increased percentage of female individuals reproducing by feeding on said prey, and improved predatory behavior towards a Tetranychidae. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the predatory individuals originate from a species selected from among Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein breeding while feeding non-spider mite prey is breeding while receiving food. an Astigmatid mite species selected from: 1) Carpoglyphidae such as those of the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis; ii) Pyroglyphidae such as those of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; of the genus Euroglyphus, for example Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus; tii) Glycyphagidae such as those of the Ctenoglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermedius, or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii, Ctenoglyphus palmifer; of the Glycyphaginae subfamily, such as those of the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or of the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphidus michalyus 5584 fustifer, Lepidoglyphus destructor, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; of the Aëroglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the Aëroglyphus genus, for example Aëroglyphus robustus; of the Labidophorinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Gohieria, for example Gohieria. fusca; or of the Nycteriglyphinae subfamily such as those of the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or of the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, such as of the genus Chortoglyphus for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably is selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, from more preferably selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor; iv) Acaridae such as those of the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, of the genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus farris, Acarus gracilis; of the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, of the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus; of the genus Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus; v) Suidasiidae such as those of the genus Suidasia, such as Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the predatory mite population Phytoseiulus persimilis as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, or the composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, or the biological control composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the immobilized Astigmatid prey is selected from the group consisting of immobilized mites, non-viable mites, non-phase eggs. hatching, non-viable eggs and a combination of these.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the genus Phytoseiulus. Astigmata order.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising individuals of at least one. mite species of the order Astigmata, wherein said predatory mite population is capable of oviposition for at least 2 generations, further wherein said Astigmata prey is selected from the group consisting of non-viable mites, non-viable eggs. viable and a combination of these.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite is capable of oviposition for at least 10 generations when reared in. being fed on said Astigmata prey individuals.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population exhibits a trait characterized by an increased reproduction rate compared to a higher reproduction rate. population of control predatory mites not showing said trait. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population exhibits a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1. , 15 to 1.2. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population is characterized by a beige-white color.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition is devoid of a fungus reducing agent.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said species of predatory mite is selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite species is Phytoseiulus persimilis.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the species of the order Astigmata belongs to a family selected from the group consisting of Carpoglyphidae , Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae and Glycyphagidae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the species of the order Astigmata comprises members of the Carpoglyphidae family, such as the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis, Carpoglyphus munroi; of the family of Glycyphagidae such as the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus domesticus, of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphus destructor; of the family of Pyroglyphidae such as the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronisinus, of the family of Acaridae, such as the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said population of Astigmata prey is in frozen form. The term in frozen form in the context of this invention is to be understood as immobilized by freezing. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmata prey population comprises a mixture comprising non-viable frozen developmental stages of BE2019 / 5584. juvenile mites. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said composition comprises at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus and a mixture comprising stages frozen non-viable development of juvenile mites C. lactis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises P. persimilis and a mixture comprising frozen non-viable developmental stages of. C. lactis juvenile mites and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmata prey population comprises non-viable C. / actis eggs.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmata prey population comprises non-viable eggs and non-viable juvenile mites in a ratio. 1: 1 (p / p).

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition further comprises a carrier such as sawdust, bran or other material. vector.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predator population raised by being fed on said mite species of the order Astigmata , reproduces at an average rate of at least about 15% per day, especially in a range of 15% to 25% per day.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said Astigmatid individuals are treated by a treatment selected from the group consisting of: a heat treatment, such as freezing, heating, cold shock or hot shock treatment; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as UV, microwave, gamma irradiation or X-ray treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas and any combination thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising non-viable eggs of C. lactis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising non-viable C. lactis mites. and sawdust or other carrier material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis, and C. / actis individuals. dead as a prey mite population, further wherein said predatory mite population Phytoseiulus persimilis has a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.15 to 1.2.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and dead individuals of 'at least one species belonging to the order Astigmata selected from the group consisting of: Carpoglyphus lactis, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycifagus domestics, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said population of prey mites further comprises a species of mite of the family Phytoseiidae . A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said prey mite species of the Phytoseiidae family is non-viable. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition is capable of controlling a crop pest.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said crop pest is selected from the group of parasitic mites, in particular members of the plant. mite family Tetranychidae such as the two-spotted spider mite, more particularly species of spider mite, especially Tetranychus, Panonychus and various other species of mites. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition is capable of reducing the numbers of said crop pests by at least 50%.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any of the above paragraphs formulated for the controlled release of said predatory mites on a cultivated plant.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs contained in a reservoir configured for the controlled release of said predatory mites on a cultivated plant. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs wherein said predatory mites are capable of being slowly and continuously released from said reservoir to said culture for a period of time. about three weeks.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method of rearing a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition according to: any one of claims 1 to 24; and (b) allowing individuals of the predatory mite population to feed on individuals of the Astigmatid population for at least 2 generations.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method of rearing a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising individuals of at least one species of mite of the order Astigmata; (b) allowing individuals of the predatory mite population to feed on individuals of the Astigmatid population for at least 2 generations; wherein said Astigmata prey is selected from the group consisting of non-viable mites, non-viable eggs and a combination thereof.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the breeding population is maintained within a temperature range of 18-30 ° C, especially at about 22 ° C.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the breeding population is maintained at a relative humidity of 70 to 90%, in particular of about 85%.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite is capable of oviposition for at least 2 generations, preferably for at least generations, high by feeding on said Astigmata prey individuals.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population has a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.15. to 1.2.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population is characterized by a beige-white color.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition is free of a fungus reducing agent.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite species is selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite species is Phytoseiulus persimilis.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the species of the order Astigmata belongs to a family selected from the group consisting of Carpoglyphidae, BE2019 / 5584 Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae and Glycyphagidae.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the species of the order Astigmata comprises members of the family Carpoglyphidae, such as the genus Carpoglyphus, by example Carpoglyphus lactis, Carpoglyphus munroi; of the family of Glycyphagidae such as the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus domesticus, of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphus destructor; of the family of Pyroglyphidae such as the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides Jarinae, Dermatophagoides pteronisinus, of the family of Acaridae, such as the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said population of Astigmata prey is in frozen form.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmata prey population comprises a mixture comprising non-viable frozen developmental stages of juvenile mites.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said composition comprises at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus and a mixture comprising frozen stages of development. non-viable juvenile C. / actis mites and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises P. persimilis and a mixture comprising non-viable frozen developmental stages of juvenile mites. C. / actis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs BE2019 / 5584, wherein said population of Astigmata prey comprises non-viable C. lactis eggs.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmata prey population comprises non-viable eggs and non-viable juvenile mites in a 1: 1 ratio. (p / p).

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition further comprises a carrier such as sawdust, bran or other carrier material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said predator population raised by being fed on said mite species of the order Astigmata reproduces at an average rate of at least about 15% per day, particularly in a range of 15% to 25% per day.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said Astigmatid individuals are treated by a treatment selected from the group consisting of: heat treatment, such as freezing, heating, cold shock or hot shock treatment; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as UV, microwave, gamma irradiation or X-ray treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas and any combination thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the process as defined in BE2019 / 5584 any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising non-viable eggs of C. / actis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the process as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising non-viable C. lactis mites and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis, and dead C. lactis individuals as a population of prey mites, further wherein said population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis has a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.15 to 1.2.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which said composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and dead individuals of at least one species belonging to to the order Astigmata selected from the group consisting of: Carpoglyphus lactis, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycifagus domestics, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said population of prey mites further comprises a species of mite of the family Phytoseiidae.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said prey mite species of the Phytoseiidae family is non-viable.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method for controlling a crop parasite BE2019 / 5584, the method comprising the application of a composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs to a culture in field.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said crop pest is selected from the group of parasitic mites, in particular members of the pest family. mites of Tetranychidae such as the two-spotted spider mite, more particularly species of spider mite, especially Tetranychus, Panonychus and various other species of mites. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the use of the composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs for the control of a crop pest.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the use as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the crop pest is selected from a range of parasitic mites, in particular members of the family mites of Tetranychidae such as the two-spotted spider mite, more particularly species of spider mite, especially Tetranychus, Panonychus and various other species of mites. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the use as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the crop is selected from the group consisting of greenhouse crops, field crops, crops. vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees, hops, cotton and strawberries. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control agent (BCA) for the control of crop pests comprising a mixture of (a) at least one species of predatory mite of the genus Phytoseiulus to which it is administered the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31, (b) optionally, prey mite individuals comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata, said Astigmata individuals are selected from the group consisting of non-viable mites, eggs non-living and a combination of these- BE2019 / 5584 ci; and (c) optionally a carrier material. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the BCA as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said predatory mite population is characterized by a beige-white color. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a reservoir containing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 29, said reservoir configured to be suspended on a cultivated plant, said reservoir comprising an outlet from which said predatory mites are slowly and continuously released into said culture over a period of about three weeks. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the reservoir as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein said reservoir is selected from the group consisting of a sachet, a packet, a small bag, pocket, large bag, bottle and bag. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the reservoir as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said prey mites are in frozen form. It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the reservoir as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said prey mites are frozen Astigmatid mite eggs. A further object of the present invention is to disclose the reservoir as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein said prey mites are frozen eggs of Carpoglyphus lactis.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which at least a portion of the Astigmata prey population is immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which the Astigmata prey population is immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises dead eggs and at least partially immobilized mites.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises dead eggs and mites.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises immobilized eggs and juvenile mites in a 1: 1 ratio. (p / p).

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the mites are immobilized by an immobilization treatment selected from the group consisting of: a treatment thermal, such as freezing, heating, cold shock or hot shock treatment; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as UV, microwave, gamma irradiation or X-ray treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas and any combination thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising C. / immobilized actis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the immobilized C. lactis mites are dead mites.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phyroseiulus persimilis, and C. / actis individuals. dead as a prey mite population, further in which the predatory mite population Phytoseiulus persimilis is capable of oviposition for at least 2 generations, preferably for at least 10 generations.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and dead individuals of at least a species belonging to the order Astigmata selected from the group consisting of: Carpoglyphus lactis, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycifagus domestics, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the population of prey mites further comprises a species of mite of the family Phytoseiidae. . A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species Phytoseiidae is of the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition such as BE2019 / 5584 as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species is Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the rearing composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and a population of prey mites comprising the mite species Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the Amblyseius swirskii mites are at least partially immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the family of Phytoseiidae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species is of the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the breeding composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the prey mite is immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which at least part of the Astigmata prey population is immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which the Astigmata prey population is immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in BE2019 / 5584 any one of the above paragraphs, in which the Astigmata prey population comprises a mixture comprising stages of frozen development of dead juvenile mites .

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the process as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising frozen developmental stages of dead juvenile mites. C. / actis and sawdust or other vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises at least partially immobilized eggs and mites.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises dead eggs and mites.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the Astigmata prey population comprises immobilized eggs and juvenile mites in a 1: 1 (w / p).

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the mites are immobilized by an immobilization treatment selected from the group consisting of: a heat treatment, such as than freezing, heating, cold shock or hot shock treatment; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as UV, microwave, gamma irradiation or X-ray treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic BE2019 / 5584 treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas and any combination thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the process as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the composition comprises P. persimilis, and a mixture comprising immobilized C. / actis and sawdust. or other vector material.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the immobilized C. / actis mites are dead mites.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis, and dead C. lactis individuals as population of prey mites, further in which the population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis is capable of oviposition for at least 2 generations, preferably for at least 10 generations.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, in which the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and dead individuals of at least one species belonging to to the order Astigmata selected from the group consisting of: Carpoglyphus lactis, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycifagus domestics, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite population further comprises a mite species of the family Phytoseiidae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species is of the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species is Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, wherein the composition comprises a population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and a population of prey mites comprising the species mite Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, in which the Amblyseius swirskii mites are at least partially immobilized.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a method of rearing a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition according to claim 26; and (b) allowing individuals of the predatory mite population to feed on individuals of the population of the family Phytoseiidae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined above, in which the predatory mite species is selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the predatory mite species is Phytoseiulus persimilis.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mite species is of the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the method as defined in BE2019 / 5584 any of the above paragraphs, in which the prey mite is immobilized. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control product for the control of crop pests comprising a mixture of (a) individuals of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis to which the composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, (b) individuals of prey mites comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata, and (c) optionally a vector material.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the biological control product as defined above, in which the species of the order Astigmata comprises members of the family Carpoglyphidae, such as the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis, Carpoglyphus munroi; of the Glycyphagidae family such as the genus G / ycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus domesticus, of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphus destructor; of the family of Pyroglyphidae such as the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronisinus, of the family of Acaridae, such as the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control product for the control of crop pests comprising a mixture of (a) individuals of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis to which the composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, (b) individuals of prey mites comprising at least one species of the family Phytoseiidae, and (c) optionally a vector material. A further object of the present invention is to disclose a biological control product for the control of crop pests comprising individuals of predatory mites of the genus Phytoseiulus to which the composition as defined in any one of the following has been administered. paragraphs above.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose the composition as defined in BE2019 / 5584 in any of the above paragraphs, formulated for the controlled release of predatory mites on a cultivated plant.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose a reservoir containing the composition as defined in any one of the above paragraphs, the reservoir configured to be suspended on a cultivated plant, the reservoir comprising an outlet from which predatory mites are slowly and continuously released into the culture over a period of about three weeks.

Another object of the present invention is to disclose the reservoir as defined above, in which the reservoir is selected from the group consisting of a sachet, a packet, a small bag, a pocket, a large bag and a bag.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the reservoir as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mites are frozen Astigmatid mite eggs.

It is further an object of the present invention to disclose the reservoir as defined in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the prey mites are frozen eggs of Carpoglyphus lactis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments are adapted to be described now, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. ; in which: Figure 1 is a photographic illustration of different stages of development of P. persimilis reared by feeding on dead or immobilized Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis) mites;

Figure 2 is a photographic illustration of P. persimilis reared by feeding BE2019 / 5584 on dead or immobilized Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis) mites, as an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a graphical representation depicting the daily multiplication rate of a population of P. persimilis, feeding on a mixture of dead C. lactis eggs and dead mobile stages over a period of 14 weeks;

Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the percentage of P. persimilis showing signs of feeding, as manifested by body shape and color; Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the survival of juvenile P. persimilis reared by feeding on individual Astigmatid prey from different families;

Figure 6 illustrates graphically the differences between the daily reproduction rate of sources of P. persimilis populations (P + and P-) raised by being fed C. lactis as prey; the P + population was genetically improved and selected for improved adaptation to C. / actis as prey; the P- population is the commercially available control population of P. persimilis;

Figure 7 is a graphical representation of the ability of the predatory P. persimilis mites of the present invention to locate spider mite prey;

Figure 8 is a graphical representation of the ability to control a spider mite population by treatment with a high P. persimilis population fed on non-spider mite prey, compared to treatment with a high commercial P. persimilis population of traditional way, as measured by the number of predators and spider mites found each week of sampling under the different treatments (Figure 8A) and by the spider mite control index observed three weeks after the introduction of predators to each treatment ( Figure 8B);

Figure 9 graphically illustrates the rate of mite release as a function of the number of days since the experimental set-up;

Figure 10 graphically illustrates the numbers of P. persimilis (Pp) and spider mites BE2019 / 5584 from plants exposed to the slow release system of the present invention, compared to control plants;

Figure 11 shows combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with the values of the daily oviposition rate (O), as particularly contemplated for use in the different aspects. of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with the values of the percentage of juvenile survival (J), as particularly envisaged for use in the different aspects. of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with the values of the percentage of female survival (F), as particularly contemplated for use in the different aspects. of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with the values of the lambda of the daily reproduction rate (R), as particularly envisaged for use in the different aspects of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows combinations of the species Phytoseiulus with (groups of) Astigmatid mites specifically contemplated for use in embodiments of various aspects of the present invention;

Figure 16 shows combinations of combinations of the species Phytoseiulus x

(groups of) Astigmatid mites (indicated by the reference numbers PA1-PA270 in Figure 15) with the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) x values of the percentage of female survival (F) (indicated by the reference numbers PF1-PF330 in Figure 13); and

Figure 17 shows other combinations of combinations of the species BE2019 / 5584 Phytoseiulus x (groups of) Astigmatid mites (indicated by the reference numbers PA1-PA270 in Figure 15) with the percentage of females capable of reproducing in feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) x oviposition rate values (indicated by reference numbers PO1-PO638 in Figure 13).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is the main parasitic spider mite of ornamentals and vegetable crops grown in greenhouses. Furthermore, this ubiquitous spider mite is a serious pest of many ornamentals in domestic landscapes and is of considerable importance as a pest of food and fiber crops all over the world (van de Vrie et al, 1972 ). The predatory phytoseiid mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is the main species used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouse as well as in field crops. Phytoseiulus persimilis is a predatory mite that feeds especially on spider mites. Spider mites are vegetarian mites (phytophagous mites) and therefore require rearing on plants, which is undesirable since it involves complex operations and high rearing costs. The present invention provides for the first time a method for the substitution of breeding P. persimilis and other species of mites of the genus Phytoseiulus. The present invention shows, contrary to traditional thought, that the species of mites of the genus Phytoseiulus, for example P. persimilis, could widen their food range, and could be raised by being fed on other preys, which are less expensive to produce and therefore much more desirable. Substitute prey mites are primarily astigmatic mites which feed on stored products and are therefore significantly less expensive to produce. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a system and method for using mites (especially dead or immobilized mites) of the species Carpoglyphus lactis (CI) or other astigmatic mite as a substitute food for mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, such as BE2019 / 5584 Phytoseiulus persimilis. It is shown by the present invention that mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, especially Phytoseiulus persimilis, can complete their life cycle and reproduce when they feed on dead mites belonging to the order Astigmata (within the Arachnida class). The object of the present invention is to develop a system for the production of species of mites of the genus Phytoseiulus, for example Phytoseiulus persimilis, by providing them with a diet comprising astigmatic mites. The system is based on the following components:

1. The predator - specifically Phytoseiulus persimilis and more generally the mites of the genus Phytoseiulus.

2. The prey - a species of mite, possibly Carpoglyphus lactis, Glyciphagus domesticus, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronisinus or other astigmatic mite, or other mite species such as Amblyseius swirskii.

3. The rearing system - the specific facility in which the mites are raised, including the rearing environment, how the prey mite is presented to the predator, the stage of prey development and other factors.

The following breeding methods are within the scope of the present invention:

1. The predator is reared by feeding on a mixture of live prey mites.

2. The predator receives a mixture of immobilized prey mites by freezing or other means such as irradiation.

3. A certain developmental stage of the prey mite is removed from the prey mite population, and then fed live or dead as food to the predator.

It is noted that in all of the above optional breeding procedures, the prey mite could be either the astigmatic mites mentioned above or other species. As for the final biological control product, the following is within the scope of the present invention:

1. A mixture that contains both the predator and the prey mites, or the predator and the specific stages of the prey mites used to feed the predator.

2. Another possibility is to extract only the predators, so that the final product contains only the predators. In one aspect, the present invention provides a predatory mite population comprising Phyroseiulus predatory individuals. In the population at least 10% of female individuals are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey. In the present invention, at least 10% should be interpreted to mean at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at minus 99%. In the present invention, at least 99% includes that substantially all female individuals are capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey. At least 99% also includes that 100% of female individuals are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey. According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55, such that = 0.60, = 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40, = 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60, = 1.65, = 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey. This aspect of the invention includes embodiments in which the percentage of female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is not specified (is not BE2019 / 5584 specified). According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a composition for biological control in which the composition comprises:

at. a predatory mite population comprising individuals of at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs; and B. a population of prey mites comprising individuals of non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, and c. optionally a carrier, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a carrier having vector elements including shelters for mites.

A non-spider mite arthropod prey according to the present invention is a prey selected from arthropods other than spider mites.

The non-spider mite arthropod prey may be non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey.

In the present invention most preferably, immobilized Astigmatid prey is used as the non-spider mite arthropod prey, particularly immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a biological control composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0, 60, BE2019 / 5584> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10, > 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35, = 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60, > 1.65, = 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female while feeding on 'non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a biological control composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably on non-spider mite arthropod prey. immobilized, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs, compared to a control population of Phytoseiulus predators of the same species which has not been exposed to non-spider mite arthropod prey and / or comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproducing by themselves. feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs read, less than 10%.

According to certain embodiments of the various aspects of the invention, female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey are female individuals capable of oviposition by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably. of immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

As one skilled in the art will understand, oviposition ability relates to the ability to lay or produce eggs. Determining oviposition rates is within the skill of the art. The oviposition capacity of females is preferably determined after they have been fed for at least 4 days on the non-spider mite prey, such as after 5 days or after 6 days.

The daily oviposition rate of a predatory mite population according to various aspects of the invention can be at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0 , 70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1 , 25, = 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40, = 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60, = 1.65, = 1.70,> 1 , 75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female. In some embodiments, the daily oviposition rate is at least 1 egg per day per female, particularly at least 1.4 eggs / day / female, more particularly between 1.4 and 2 eggs / day / female. In the main aspects of the present invention, a daily oviposition rate of at least 1 egg per day per female, in particular at least 1.4 eggs / day / female, more particularly between 1.4 and 2 eggs / day / female, is achieved when the non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as the sole food source for predatory Phytoseiulus individuals.

According to other aspects of the present invention, a daily oviposition rate of at least 1 egg per day per female, in particular at least 1.4 eggs / day / female, more particularly between 1.4 and 2 eggs / day / female, is achieved when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as a food source for predatory Phytoseiulus individuals alternating with a diet of spider mites.

In the present invention the term "at least" in the context of numerical values is considered equivalent to the meaning of the mathematical sign ">". One skilled in the art will understand that, being an average value for (the female part of) the population, the oviposition rate or the egg production rate may have a fractional value not corresponding to whole eggs. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a population of mites having a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50 eggs / day / female is capable of producing 0.5 eggs / day / female or more. Thus defined differently, a predatory mite population with a daily oviposition rate of> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70, = 0.75,> 0.80,> 0 , 90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1 , 40,> 1.45, = 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60,> 1.65,> 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80, = 1.85,> 1 , 90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female is capable of producing 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.90, respectively. 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.50, 1, 55, 1.60, 1.65, 1.70, 1.75, 1.80, 1.85, 1.90, 1.95, 2.00 eggs / day / female.

Again, if more eggs than the numbers listed are BE2019 / 5584 produced, the eggs are produced in the number shown.

The daily oviposition rate of a predatory mite population according to other embodiments of the various aspects of the invention may be at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0.60, > 0.65, = 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15, > 1.20,> 1.25, = 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, = 1.60, = 1.65, > 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female, when using non-arthropod prey spider mite as the sole food source or as an alternative when feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey.

Also in this case, defined differently, a predatory mite population with a daily oviposition rate of> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0, 80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25, = 1.30,> 1, 35,> 1.40,> 1.45, = 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60,> 1.65,> 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80, = 1, 85,

= 1.90, = 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female is capable of producing 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0, respectively 90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.50, 1.55, 1.60, 1.65, 1.70, 1.75, 1.80, 1.85, 1.90, 1.95, 2.00 eggs / day / female when using the non-spider mite arthropod prey as sole food source.

When using non-spider mite prey as the sole food source, no other food is presented to individuals in the predatory mite population.

As stated above, if more eggs than the numbers listed are produced, the eggs are produced in the number listed.

The ability to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey according to certain embodiments of different aspects of the invention most preferably includes the ability to complete a complete ontogenetic cycle, when using the prey. non-spider mite arthropod as sole food source.

Completion of the ontogenic cycle, as one skilled in the art will understand, is the ability of individuals to develop from the earliest stage of the life cycle to an earlier stage of the next life cycle in a second generation, to know for predatory mites the development from an egg (parent) to an egg (descendant) in a subsequent generation or differently defined the development of an egg into a sexually mature female individual producing a certain number of eggs.

Those skilled in the art will know and understand that for many species of predatory mites,

including the species Phytoseiulus, copulation with a male individual is required for BE2019 / 5584 egg production in females. If a population is able to complete the ontogenic cycle by feeding on a certain food source, it can in theory be perpetuated over multiple generations by feeding on that food source.

The ability to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey according to certain embodiments of different aspects of the invention is characterized by the ability of female individuals to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations. The number of subsequent generations is at least |, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 generations. Those skilled in the art will understand that in the event that the number of subsequent generations is at least 2, a complete ontogenetic cycle has been completed, since the female offspring of the female have produced offspring (females). Thus the number of subsequent generations is preferably at least 2, such that at least one ontogenic cycle is completed. The ability to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey according to certain embodiments of different aspects of the invention may also include a juvenile and / or female survival rate of at least 40%, depending on whether or not it is feeding on a non-spider mite prey used as the sole food source. As one skilled in the art will understand, juvenile survival rate is the percentage of juvenile stages in the life cycle that are capable of developing into adulthood. Juvenile survival rates in the context of the present invention are determined as the percentage of post-embryonic (post-egg) stages that reach adulthood. Juvenile survival is determined using non-spider mite prey, preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, as the sole source of food. Juvenile survival is determined over a period of between 3 and 7 days, such as over a period of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days, most preferably over a period of 3 days. Female survival rate is the rate of mature females that survive by feeding on non-spider mite prey, preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, when used in as the only power source. The survival of females is determined over a BE2019 / 5584 period of 7 days. At least 40% for juvenile survival rate can be 40% to 95%, such as 45% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 55 to 90%, 60% to 90%, 65% to 90% , 70% to 90%, 75% to 90%, 45% to 85%, 50% to 85%, 55 to 85%, 60% to 85%, 65% to 85%, 70% to 85%, 75% at 85%. At least 40% for female survival rate can be at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%. At least 40% and all higher percentages mentioned include substantially all and 100%.

In some embodiments, the survival rate of juveniles and / or females is at least 60%, particularly at least 80% and up to 100%. In the main aspects of the present invention, a juvenile and / or female survival rate of at least 60%, in particular at least 80% and up to 100%, is achieved when using arthropod prey. non spider mite as sole food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus. According to other aspects of the present invention, a juvenile and / or female survival rate of at least 60%, in particular at least 80% and up to 100%, is achieved when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as a food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus alternating with a diet of spider mites. The ability to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey according to certain embodiments of different aspects of the invention can also be characterized by a daily multiplication (or reproduction) rate λ in the range of about 1. , 10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to 1.40, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.25 to 1.40, 1.30 to 1.40, or 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 to 1.30, from 1.10 to 1.25, from 1.10 to 1.20. Those skilled in the art will understand that for values of λ greater than 1.0 the population increases, so there is reproduction. Those skilled in the art will further understand that due to starvation in a population, also under the circumstances where the values of λ for a given population are somewhat less than 1.0, individuals in the population may reproduce. (at a level that does not compensate for the level of starvation). The daily multiplication rate according to the preferred embodiments relates to the daily multiplication rates when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole source of food. Although daily multiplication (or reproduction) rates greater than 1.0 have been observed by the BE2019 / 5584 inventors of the present invention for existing populations of Phytoseiulus, these existing populations of Phytoseiulus do not exhibit multiplication rates ( or reproduction) daily of 1.10 or more.

In some embodiments, the daily multiplication (or reproduction) rate λ is at least 1.15, in particular at least 1.2, more particularly from 1.2 to 1.4. In the main aspects of the present invention, a daily multiplication (or reproduction) rate λ of at least 1.15, in particular at least 1.2, more particularly from 1.2 to 1.4, is. achieved when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as the sole food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus. According to other aspects of the present invention, a daily multiplication (or reproduction) rate λ of at least 1.15, in particular at least 1.2, more particularly from 1.2 to 1.4, is achieved when the non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as a food source for predatory Phytoseiulus individuals in alternation with a diet of spider mites.

In general, in the context of the present invention, parameters of life cycle stages, such as oviposition rates and survival rates, ontogenic cycle completion, and population growth rates of predatory mites may be determined at 22 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 85%, while the food (non-spider mite arthropod prey) is not limiting (presented ad libidum). According to the preferred embodiments of the predatory mite population of the invention, the predatory individuals exhibit predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species. Preferably the female individuals have a predatory behavior towards the spider mite individuals. If in the population at least 10% of the female individuals are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, most preferably at least 10% of the female individuals have a predatory behavior towards the individuals of a species of spider mite. By maintaining predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species, individuals of predatory mites can be used as biological control agents against the spider mite species of which they are predators. According to preferred embodiments, the predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species may be a daily oviposition rate of BE2019 / 5584 minus 10, preferably at least 15, more preferably d 'at least 19 eggs per female in 5 days.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the predatory behavior described above towards individuals of a spider mite species is achieved when the non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as the sole food source for the individuals. High Phytoseiulus predators. According to other aspects of the present invention the predatory behavior described above towards individuals of a spider mite species is achieved when the non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as a food source for the predatory individuals Phytoseiulus reared in alternation with a diet of spider mites.

According to one embodiment of the various aspects of the invention, the invention provides a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising individuals of at least one species of mite of the genus of the order Astigmata, wherein said predatory mite population is capable of oviposition for at least 2 generations, further wherein said prey Astigmata is selected from the group consisting of immobilized mites, preferably non-viable mites, non-hatching (immobilized) eggs, preferably non-viable eggs and a combination thereof.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the predatory mite is capable of oviposition for at least 10 generations and preferably more, having the Astigmata individuals as prey.

It is further within the scope that the predatory mite population exhibits a trait characterized by an increased reproduction rate, particularly when using Astigmatid mites as a food source, compared to a mite population. control predators, of the same species, not exhibiting the trait mentioned above.

It is further within the scope that the predatory mite population of the present invention BE2019 / 5584 exhibits a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.15 to 1.2, especially when using mites. Astigmatid as a source of food.

It is further within the scope of the present invention that the predatory mite population is characterized by a beige-white color, when said predatory mite Phytoseiulus is bred by being fed on said Astigmata prey as a food source.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the predators would look different from that of the common product containing P. persimilis mites bred by being fed on spider mites (white mites in the case of the present invention instead of the usual orange ).

According to another embodiment, the present invention shows for the first time that a population of P. persimilis has grown and reproduced successfully by feeding on Carpoglyphus lactis which have died for at least six months (approximately 25 generations).

It is pointed out that P. persimilis is surprisingly reported here as completing its life cycle and reproducing by feeding either on non-phytophagous prey (prey which does not require feeding on living plants) or on a prey that does not consume phytophagous mites.

The present invention provides a mite-based composition which contains a population of farmed mites Phytoseiulus persimilis, and a population of dummy host mites comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata or of the family of Phytoseiidae. Until now, mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, such as the important predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, have been reared on their natural diet of phytophagous mites which involves high costs and significant resources (such as the supply of suitable plants in sufficient abundance under greenhouse conditions).

The present invention solves the serious problem of breeding the main predator of BE2019 / 5584 controlling spider mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, by breeding it in a cost-effective and efficient manner based on a non-phytophagous substitution diet.

Accordingly, the invention provides a composition based on mites comprising: a breeding population of mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, for example predatory mite species Phytoseiulus persimilis, a population of at least one species of the order Astigmata or of the family Phytoseiidae, and optionally a vector. According to an embodiment of the various aspects, the present invention provides a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata. According to another embodiment of the various aspects, the present invention provides a method of rearing a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata; and (b) allowing individuals from the predatory mite population to feed on individuals from the Astigmatid population.

According to another embodiment of the various aspects, the present invention provides a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the Phytoseiidae family.

According to another embodiment of the various aspects, the present invention provides a method of rearing a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites BE2019 / 5584 comprising at least one species of the family of Phytoseiidae; and (b) allowing individuals of the predatory mite population to feed on individuals of the population of the family Phytoseiidae.

In some embodiments of the various aspects, the prey population, i.e. species of the order Astigmata or species of the family Phytoseiidae, is immobilized and / or non-living.

It is further within the scope of the various aspects that the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is able to reproduce for at least 2 generations, preferably at least 10 generations, more preferably for at least 15 generations or more generations, by itself. feeding the Astigmata or Phytoseiid population mentioned above, in particular an immobilized population.

The composition of the present invention provides a considerable number of advantages over previous combinations. In one aspect, the food used to feed the prey during predator production will no longer be phytophagous plants or mites, but mites which live on stored produce, therefore providing substantial savings.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a breeding composition comprising: a population of predatory mites comprising at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a population of prey mites comprising at least one species of the family of Phytoseiidae.

According to certain additional embodiments of different aspects of the present invention, the predatory mite species is selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, the predatory mite species is Phytoseiulus persimilis.

According to still further embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention BE2019 / 5584, the prey mite species is of the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii. According to further embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, the breeding composition comprises immobilized prey mites. According to other aspects of the present invention, the prey mites are immobilized or dead mites.

In other aspects, the present invention provides a method of controlling a crop pest, the method comprising applying a composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs to a field crop.

In other aspects, the present invention provides a use of the composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs for the control of a crop pest.

According to other aspects, the present invention provides a biological control product for the control of crop pests comprising a mixture of (a) individuals of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis to which the composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs, (b) individuals of prey mites comprising at least one species of the order Astigmata, and (c) optionally a vector material.

According to other aspects, the present invention provides a biological control product for the control of crop pests comprising a mixture of (a) individuals of predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis to which the composition according to any one has been administered. of claims 26 to 31, and (b) individuals of prey mites comprising at least one species of the family Phytoseiidae, and (c) optionally a vector material.

The present invention further provides a slow release system (eg sachet) for mites, especially for mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus,

in particular Phytoseiulus persimilis (P. persimilis) configured to be applied on BE2019 / 5584 a culture. A central aspect of the innovative solution is that predatory mites can reproduce within the system for several generations, while a certain proportion of predatory mites continuously leave the system and reach the crop to control the parasites. This provides a continuous supply of mites to the crop without the need for repeated application by the farmer.

The embodiments of the slow release system provided by the present invention are based on the following:

1. Individuals of predatory mites - P. persimilis or other species of mites of the genus Phytoseiulus.

2. Food source for predatory mites - a prey or factitious host, for example, frozen eggs of Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis) or another astigmatic mite.

3. Predatory mites are combined with their factitious host at the same physical location. This is done by the following substitution approaches: a. Providing the predatory mites with their factitious host in a reservoir such as a sachet, bundle, small bag, pouch, large bag or sack configured to hang on the crop plant, from which the mites would be released slowly and continuously in culture for a period of about three weeks. b. Application of a mixture containing the predatory mites, a vector and the mock host as a food source, directly to the leaves of the crop. From this mixture, the predatory mites would be released slowly into the crop over a period of about three weeks. It is noted that such slow release systems for predatory mites are highly desirable for P. persimilis since until now P. persimilis has been known to be a specialist (natural enemy) in spider mites and therefore it was BE2019 / 5584 administered a diet of spider mites. However, spider mites are not suitable for use in this type of mite release systems for crop protection for the following reasons: * Spider mites are themselves pests, and if applied live they may damage the culture. * Spider mites cannot reproduce without receiving plant material, therefore they cannot reproduce in a pouch.

* Without receiving a food source, living spider mites die quickly and stunt (eg within days).

“If served dead, spider mites quickly stunt and lose their nutritional value.

* Spider mites are expensive to produce.

The present invention provides an unexpected technological solution to the above problem, which has not been resolved until now. The solution is based on the use of non-hatching (immobilized) eggs, especially frozen, C. lactis or other species of Astigmatid mites as a factitious host for P. persimilis. Unlike spider mites, non-hatching eggs (eg due to freeze immobilization) of Astigmatids, especially C. lactis, maintain their nutritional value for about three weeks. This innovative solution enables the sustained release of predatory mites P. persimilis from a reservoir or mixture combining the predatory mite with its factitious host, applied directly to the cultivated plant for pest control.

As used herein the term "approximately" means + 10% of the defined quantity or measure or value.

The term "controlled release" hereafter refers to a slow release, a BE2019 / 5584 sustained release, a rapid release, designed for release in a sustained controlled fashion or manner. In the context of the present invention, it refers to the release of predatory mites on the cultivated plant gradually over a specified period of time, for example during the day or over the course of a week.

The term "slow release system" or a "device" or "reservoir" hereinafter refers to a sachet-type delivery system, for example a sachet, a packet, a small bag, a pocket, a large bag. , a bottle or bag or any other device or means for releasing the composition or formulation of the present invention.

In the context of the present invention, such a composition may comprise (i) predatory Phytoseiulus mites, (ii) predatory Phytoseiulus mites with a factitious host (life cycle stages of dead Astigmatid mites or other non-spider mite arthropod prey) (iii) non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, and (iv) optionally a vector.

It is further included within the scope of the present invention that such a system or reservoir refers to an apparatus, unit, device, compartment, element, band or housing for the slow release of insects or beneficial predatory mites available or known in the art which gradually release beneficial predatory insects or mites.

Having knowledge of such systems, one skilled in the art will understand that such gradual release precludes immediate release.

It is also within the scope of the present invention that the Phytoseiulus predatory mite delivery system can be of any suitable type.

In general the mite delivery system may comprise a suitable reservoir for enclosing individuals of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus (e.g. P. persimilis) and individuals of the factitious host mite (e.g. eggs of dead C. / actis. ). The reservoir includes an opening and / or means for generating an exit opening for the mobile stages of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus.

Delivery systems of this type are known to those skilled in the art and various products are commercially available in BE2019 / 5584, for example sachet-type delivery systems and other suitable types of delivery systems which are included. within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, a use of a non-spider mite species of arthropod comprises applying individuals of a non-spider mite species to a target culture, preferably of a non-spider mite species. immobilized spider mite, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular of an immobilized Astigmatid species. Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs (eg a mixture of dead stages of the life cycle, including dead eggs).

In another embodiment, a mixture of eggs and motile stages is applied to a crop plant to be infested with predatory mites Phytoseiulus. The purpose of applying the prey directly to the plant is to support the establishment of a population of P. persimilis or other natural enemy on the plant when the prey spider mite (the natural host of the species predator Phytoseiulus) is rare. According to specific embodiments, devices for releasing the mobile stages of the prey, as disclosed in the application, are used. The term "breeding composition" as used herein generally refers to a composition suitable for the breeding, preservation, rearing, maintenance or propagation of a species of mite by reproduction. gendered. A breeding composition includes a breeding population of mite species, in particular Phytoseiulus species. A rearing population may include sexually mature adults of both sexes, and / or individuals of both sexes at other stages of the life cycle, for example eggs, larvae and / or pupae, which may develop to 'to sexually mature adults. Alternatively, the breeding population can include one or more fertilized females. In essence, a breeding population is capable of increasing the number of its individuals through sexual reproduction. More specifically, the term "rearing composition" refers to a composition suitable for the commercial rearing of mites. Here it is BE2019 / 5584 recognized that mass rearing systems for predatory mites are highly dependent on the availability of suitable prey for predators. Therefore, there is a continuing need to improve breeding systems for both predatory mites and suitable mites as cultured prey. To solve this problem, the present invention provides a composition or system specifically adapted to effectively and efficiently rear mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, especially Phytoseiulus persimilis, a highly important predatory mite used for the biological control of pests of pests. cultures (spider mites).

For the first time, it is shown that Phytoseiulus persimilis completes its life cycle and reproduces, i.e. for at least 2 generations, by being reared by being fed on species of Astigmatid mites or on species of prey mites Phytoseiidae , for example Amblyseius swirskii.

The term "vector" hereinafter refers to an inactive or inert substance or particles or vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the breeding composition of the present invention comprises a vector for individuals of the mite species. The vector can be any solid material which is suitable for providing a vector surface for mite individuals. Examples of suitable vectors are plant materials such as bran (e.g. wheat), sawdust (e.g. fine sawdust), corn grits, vermiculite, Poaceae husks, such as millet husks or rice husks, etc. According to other aspects of the invention, a carrier material may include sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a mixture thereof. vector having vector elements comprising shelters for mites.

The term "Phytoseiulus" as used hereinafter refers to a genus of mites of the family Phytoseiidae. These predatory mites are most commonly used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops. It is within the scope of the present invention that the genus Phytoseiulus contains the following species: Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Phytoseiulus robertsi and Mesoseiulus longipes (for example see https: //www.benemipes.com/ml .htm). The predatory mites Phytoseiulus are known to be specialists in dealing with spider mites (mites of the Tetranychidae family) which are phytophagous BE2019 / 5584 mites. The term "Phytoseiulus persimilis" or "P. persimilis" as used below refers to a population of predatory mites including Phytoseiulus persimilis (P.

persimilis). Phytoseiulus is a genus of mites in the Phytoseiidae family. This predatory mite is the most common predatory mite used to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops produced in mild environments.

P. persimilis is generally used for spider mite control and management. They are voracious predators of most parasitic spider mites (Tetranychus species). Some of the species they affect include: the two-spotted mite Tetranychus urticae, the carmine mite T. cinnabarinus and the Pacific mite 7.

pacificus. Unlike Neoseiulus californicus (Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Phytoseiidae, Subfamily: Amblyseiinae) which may not eat for relatively long periods, Phytoseiulus persimilis must have fresh food. Furthermore, according to existing knowledge, Phytoseiulus persimilis are not as flexible in terms of diet as other predatory mite species available for the control of spider mites, since they are known to feed only on specific Tetranychus species. , but not all. The present invention discloses for the first time the successful reproduction of P. persimilis feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, in particular selected from the order Astigmata and from immobilized Phytoseiidae. Based on the surprising discovery that the Phytoseiulus species, contrary to popular belief in the art, can reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, new breeding systems for Phytoseiulus species can be developed. Such rearing systems of the present invention are much more cost effective than rearing P. persimilis based on its traditional diet which consists of phytophagous mites. The term "dummy host" hereinafter refers generally to an unnatural host or a host other than the target host for the predatory mite, which those in the field of biological control can more easily breed than the target host in an environment. laboratory. In the BE2019 / 5584 context of the present invention, a dummy host or prey refers to organisms unlikely to be attacked by a natural enemy or a predatory mite in its natural habitat, but which is used artificially to support its development. and / or its reproduction. Usually this is a species which is easier and cheaper to breed. Examples within the scope of the present invention include storage mites (such as Astigmatid mites) for predatory mites (such as Phytoseiulus mite species), mite eggs for predatory insects and mites. In other aspects, the term mock host is used when a biological control agent is forced to feed on an insect or mite that it would not feed on in the wild. This can allow higher production rates. The present invention shows for the first time that commercially available species of Phytoseiulus mites can be mass-reared using Astigmatid mites (Acari: Astigmata) as dummy prey.

The term "juvenile mite" or "juvenile mites" hereinafter refers to stages of development of the life cycle of mites or stages of development of mites or an instar including an egg, a larva, and protonymphe individuals. and deutonymph (third instar).

The term “individual” or “individuals” or “individuals of mites” refers in the context of the present invention to stages of development of mites including, but not limited to, eggs, stages of juvenile mites. such as a larva, and protonymp and deutonymph (third instar) individuals.

The term "mobile stages" hereinafter refers to stages of development of the mites including a larva, a protonymph, a deutonymph (third instar) and adult stages.

The term "immobilized" used hereinafter generally means that arthropod individuals not preying spider mites, preferably Astigmatid individuals, have been subjected to immobilization treatment. Immobilization treatment should be interpreted to mean treatment which interferes with the mobility that an individual prey presents in any of its stages of the life cycle (including immobile stages,

i.e. eggs and any mobile stage of development). Mobility being the ability to move BE2019 / 5584 spontaneously and independently.

As those skilled in the art are aware, the life cycle stages of mites which are motile are larvae, nymphs and adults.

So treatments that interfere with mobility in any of these stages should be considered immobilization treatment.

In addition, treatments that prevent individuals from developing from a non-mobile stage of the life cycle, such as from the egg stage to a mobile stage of the life cycle, should also be considered as an immobilization treatment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the immobilized mite individuals comprise eggs, larvae, nymphs or adults, preferably the living stages comprising the eggs, most preferably the eggs combined with juvenile living stages.

According to another preferred embodiment, the prey individuals are permanently immobilized.

Treatment that renders individuals prey, preferably Astigmatid mites, "non-viable" (ie resulting in death) can be considered permanent immobilization treatment.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, immobilized, preferably nonviable, mite individuals are produced by or exposed to treatment including, but not limited to, heat treatment, such as freezing, lyophilization. , heating, cold shock or hot shock treatment; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as UV, microwave, gamma irradiation or X-ray treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas and any combination thereof.

WO2013 / 103294 further discloses immobilized Astigmatid mites and methods for obtaining them.

Like the non-spider mite prey, the non-hatching eggs of Astigmatid mites (e.g. immobilized by freezing or by radiation treatment), more preferably in combination with immobilized juvenile Astigmatid live stages, particularly not viable, are most preferred in the context of BE2019 / 5584 of the present invention.

The term "non-viable" used hereinafter generally means not capable of living, growing, developing or functioning.

According to the main aspects of the present invention, it refers to mites that are dead or not alive or not living or immobilized (namely any stage or phase of development of the mites) or to mite eggs.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, non-viable Astigmata mites and / or eggs are used as prey for predatory mites of the genus Phytoseiulus.

According to a specific embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises eggs and / or mites and / or larvae of C. / actis, immobilized by freezing, used as prey for predatory mites of the genus

Phytoseiulus.

According to one aspect of the invention, the eggs and / or mites and / or larvae may be nonviable or dead.

The term "Astigmatid" or "Astigmata" or "astigmatic mites" or "Astigmatina" as used herein refers to an order of mites within the

Subclass: Acari.

Astigmatina are a "cohort" of mites.

Astigmatina belongs to the Sarcoptiformes, which contains the "stinging" Acariformes. The order Astigmata contains superfamilies with thousands of genera.

Non-limiting examples of such superfamilies and families, within the scope of the present invention, can include:

Suborder: Acaridia Superfamilles:

Schizoglyphoidea: examples of families include: Schizoglyphidae Histiostomatoidea: examples of families include: Histiostomatidae, Guanolichidae

Canestrinioidea: Examples of families include: Chetochelacaridae, BE2019 / 5584 Lophonotacaridae, Canestriniidae, Heterocoptidae Hemisarcoptoidea: Examples of families include: Chaetodactylidae, Hyadesiidae, Carpoglyphidae, Algophagidae, Hemisarcoptidae, Winterschmidtiidae Glycyphagoidea: Examples of families include: Euglycyphagidae, Chortoglyphidae, Pedetropodidae , Echimyopodidae, Aeroglyphidae, Rosensteiniidae, Glycyphagidae

Acaroidea: examples of families include: Sapracaridae, Suidasiidae, Lardoglyphidae, Glycacaridae, Gaudiellidae Acaridae: examples of families include: Hypoderoidea, Hypoderidae

Suborder: Psoroptidia Superfamilies:

Pterolichoidea: Examples of families include: Oconnoriidae, Ptiloxenidae Pterolichidae: Examples of families include: Cheylabididae, Ochrolichidae, Gabuciniidae, Falculiferidae, Eustathiidae, Crypturoptidae, Thoracosathesidae, Rectijanaruidae, Kiwramellidae, Kiwramellidae, Kiwramellidae, Kiwramellidae, Kiwramellidae, Kiwilichidae

Freyanoidea: Examples of families include: Freyanidae, Vexillariidae, Caudiferidae Analgoidea: Examples of families include: Heteropsoridae, Analgidae, Xolalgidae,

Avenzoariidae, Pteronyssidae, Proctophyllodidae, Psoroptoididae, Trouessartiidae, Alloptidae, Thysanocercidae, Dermationidae, Epidermoptidae, Apionacaridae, Dermoglyphidae, Laminosioptoididae, Knemidokoptidae, Pyrogtoditidae families include Pyrogtoditidae: Pyroglyidae, examples Pyroglyidae, Examples:

Psoroptoidea: Examples of families include: Psoroptidae, Galagalgidae, Lobalgidae, Myocoptidae, Rhyncoptidae, Audycoptidae, Listrophoridae, Chirodiscidae, Atopomelidae, Chirorhynchobiidae, Gastronyssidae, Lemopturnidae, Pneumocoptidae, Pneumocoptidae, Lemopturnidae. The claims further present Astigmatid species suitable as non-spider mite arthropod prey in embodiments of the various aspects of the invention. According to many embodiments of different aspects of the invention, the selection of non-spider mite arthropod prey from an Astigmatid species is most preferred. When used as a food source for Phytoseiulus species, Astigmatid individuals are most preferably used in immobilized form, particularly in immobilized form having immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs ( not in the hatching phase). Freeze immobilization is particularly suitable and is the most preferred immobilization method for Astigmatid individuals. Immobilization by radiation treatment is a highly favorable alternative immobilization method.

A preferable Astigmatid mite species used by the biological control system of the present invention as a population of dummy hosts for the predatory mite Phytoseiulus, e.g. P. persimilis, is a mite species of the family Carpoglyphidae. , more preferably Carpoglyphus lactis (C. lactis).

Carpoglyphidae is a family of mites of the order Astigmatina, containing four genera: Carpoglyphus, Coproglyphus, Dichotomiopus and Pullea.

Carpoglyphus lactis (Acarus lactis), is most preferably used by the present invention as a breeding diet for P. persimilis, belongs to the genus Carpoglyphus. Carpoglyphus lactis is recognized here as a stored mite product, infesting stored foods high in saccharides including dried fruits, wine, beer, dairy products, jams and honey. Since C. / actis is able to feed on stored products, it is highly desirable and cost effective to administer this mite species to P. persimilis, as first demonstrated by the present invention. When used as a BE2019 / 5584 feed source for Phytoseiulus species, Carpoglyphus lactis individuals are most preferably used in immobilized form, particularly in immobilized form having immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs (not in the hatching phase) (and / or immobilized mites). Freezing immobilization is particularly suitable and is the most preferred immobilization method for Carpoglyphus lactis. In another embodiment of the various aspects of the present invention, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus, for example P. persimilis, can complete its life cycle and reproduce when it feeds on mites and / or immobilized eggs, in particular non-viable species Carpoglyphus lactis eVou Dermatophagoides Jarinae both belonging to the order Astigmata.

The term "trait" hereinafter refers to a characteristic or a phenotype. A phenotypic trait can refer to the appearance or other detectable characteristic of an individual, resulting from the interaction of their genome, proteome and / or metabolome with the environment. For example, in the context of the present invention, an increased reproduction rate as described herein is a phenotypic trait characterizing the predatory mites of the composition of the present invention. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a trait can also arise from the interaction between the mite and its associated microorganisms. A trait can be inherited in a dominant or recessive way, or in a partially or incompletely dominant way. A trait can be monogenic (i.e. determined by a single locus) or polygenic (i.e. determined by more than one locus) or may also result from the interaction of one or more genes with the environment. A dominant trait results in complete phenotypic manifestation in the heterozygous or homozygous state; traditionally, a recessive trait manifests itself only when it is present homozygous.

The term "genetic linkage" is understood within the scope of the invention to refer to an association of inherited traits due to the location of nearby genes on the same chromosome, measured by the percentage of recombination between the loci ( centi-Morgan, cM).

As used herein, the term "population" refers to a plurality of individuals. In some embodiments the term includes a genetically heterogeneous collection of mites sharing a common genetic derivation.

In the context of the present invention, two distinct populations of a species of Phytoseiulus, for example populations of P. persimilis are disclosed herein. A population, designated as P +, bred and selected by being fed on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably on immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably on Astigmatid prey, so Most preferred of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs. In certain aspects of the invention, the P + population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, defined herein by parameters such as daily reproduction rate, daily oviposition rate, rate of oviposition. survival of females and / or juveniles and the percentage of female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey.

The second population (denoted by P-) is a population raised by being fed on its natural host, namely arthropod spider mite prey, or spider mites as the sole source of food. The P- population is also referred to as the traditional or commercially available Phytoseiulus or P. persimilis population, or traditionally bred population or unselected population or control population, a population of Phytoseiulus comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproducing in feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, less than 10% or a population of a Phytoseiulus which was available until the present invention.

As used herein, the term "genetic marker" or "molecular marker" or "biomarker" refers to an element in the genome of an individual, for example, a nucleotide or polynucleotide sequence which is associated with one or more. loci or traits of interest. In some embodiments, a genetic marker is polymorphic in a population of interest, or the locus BE2019 / 5584 occupied by the polymorphism, depending on the context. Genetic markers or molecular markers include, for example, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indels (i.e. insertions deletions), microsatellites (SSR), restriction fragment size polymorphisms (RFLP), polymorphisms of J DNA revealed by random amplification (RAFD), cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers (CAPS), DATT (Diversity Arrays Technology) markers, and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) or combinations thereof, among many many other examples such as the DNA sequence itself. Genetic markers can, for example, be used to locate genetic loci containing alleles on a chromosome that contribute to the variability of phenotypic traits. The term "genetic marker" or "molecular marker" or "biomarker" can also refer to a polynucleotide sequence complementary to or corresponding to a genomic sequence, such as a sequence of a nucleic acid used as a probe or a primer.

A genetic marker can be physically located in a position on a chromosome that is inside or outside the genetic locus with which it is associated (ie, is intragenic or extragenic, respectively).

As used herein, the term "germ plasma" refers to the totality of genotypes of a population or other group of individuals (eg, a species).

The terms "hybrid" and "hybrid progeny" used herein refer to an individual produced from genetically different parents (eg, an individual genetically heterozygous or primarily heterozygous).

The term "allele (s)" used herein means any one or more forms of substitution or variants of a gene or genetic unit at a particular locus, all of the alleles relating to a trait. or a characteristic at a specific locus. In a diploid cell of an organism, alleles of a given gene are located at a specific location, or locus (plural loci) on a chromosome. An allele is present on each chromosome of the homologous chromosome pair.

A diploid plant species can have a large BE2019 / 5584 number of different alleles at a particular locus.

Such forms of substitution or variant alleles may be the result of single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, indels, inversions, translocations or deletions, or the consequence of gene regulation caused by, for example , chemical or structural modification, regulation of transcription or post-translational modification / regulation.

An allele associated with a qualitative trait may include surrogate forms or variants of various genetic units including those which are identical or associated with a single gene or with multiple genes or their products or even with a disturbing gene or controlled by a genetic factor. contributing to the phenotype represented by the locus.

As used herein, the term "locus" means a specific place or places or region or site on a chromosome where, for example, a gene or genetic marker element or factor is found.

In specific embodiments, such a genetic element contributes to a trait.

As used herein, the term "reproduction" and grammatical variations thereof, refer to any process which generates an individual descendant.

Reproduction can be sexual or asexual, or any combination thereof.

Non-limiting examples of types of reproduction include crossbreeding, introgression, selfing, backcrossing, generation of double haploid derivatives, and combinations thereof.

The term "genetic determinant" as used herein refers to genetic determinants such as genes, alleles, QTL or traits.

Introgression of a genetic determinant means the incorporation of genes, alleles, QTL or traits into a line in which essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the line are recovered, in addition to the genetically introgressed determinant.

Such a method is often used in the development of cultivars, in which one or a few genetic determinants are transferred into a desired genetic background, preferably using backcrossing.

The term "genotype" refers to the genetic makeup of a cell or organism. An individual's genotype includes the specific alleles, for one or more genetic marker loci, present in an individual's haplotype. As is known in the art, a genotype can involve a single locus or multiple loci, whether the loci are related or unrelated and / or are related or unrelated. In some embodiments, an individual's genotype relates to one or more genes that are related in that the one or more of the genes are involved in the expression of a phenotype of interest. Thus, in some embodiments a genotype comprises a summary of one or more alleles present in an individual at one or more genetic loci. In some embodiments, a genotype is expressed in terms of a haplotype.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus, e.g. P. persimilis, can complete its life cycle and reproduce (i.e. including development and oviposition) for at least 3 generations, when feeds live juvenile mites of the species Amblyseius swirskii which belongs to the family Phytoseiidae.

It is further within the scope of the present invention to disclose a population of predatory Phytoseiulus mites, for example P. persimilis mite species, reared to feed on dead or immobilized mite species selected from the group consisting of Carpoglyphus. lactis, Dermatophagoides farinae, Lepidogyphus destructor, Glyciphagus domesticus, Dermatophagoides pteronisinus, Amblyseius swirskii, and any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the predatory mite feeds on the above prey mites, has grown and reproduced for at least two generations.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, P. persimilis or another predatory mite Phytoseiulus, can develop on immobilized individuals, in particular by freezing, of the following species belonging to the order Astigmata: Carpoglyphus lactis, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycifagus domesticus and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus.

It is further within the scope that the mites used as prey are immobilized by immobilization treatment selected from the group consisting of: heat treatment, such as freezing, heating, cold shock treatment or shock from heat; chemical treatment, such as treatment with gas or fumes; radiation treatment, such as gamma, UV, microwave or X-ray irradiation treatment; mechanical processing, such as vigorous shaking, or agitation, application of shear forces, collision; gas pressure treatment, such as ultrasound treatment, pressure changes, pressure drops; electrical treatment, such as electrocution; immobilization with adhesive; immobilization by starvation, such as induced by starvation of water or food; immobilization by suffocation or anoxic treatment, such as by temporarily removing oxygen from the atmosphere or replacing oxygen with another gas.

Those skilled in the art will understand how these treatments can result in the immobilization of Astigmatid individuals or other mites of the Phytoseiidae family and that the immobilization treatment should be such that the mite individuals remain prey (source of food). suitable for individuals of predatory mites.

It is further within the scope that the term "immobilized mites" can also mean dead or non-living mites.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 showing photographically different stages of development of P. persimilis reared by being fed on dead or immobilized C. lactis. The figure shows an adult female (Figure 1A) and a juvenile that has just hatched from the egg (Figure 1B). As can be seen in this figure, all stages are characterized by a pale whitish color, typical of this diet, in contrast to the normal orange color obtained when feeding P. persimilis with spider mites, their traditional diet. In other words, the predators of the present invention, fed on C. lactis, took on a beige-white color instead of the typical orange color. In addition, the predator's dorsal shield is darker than the cuticle around it. This figure shows that P. persimilis can grow and reproduce by feeding on dead or immobilized C. lactis mites. As explained in BE2019 / 5584 above, C. lactis (Acari: Astigmata) are significantly more profitable to produce than the traditional P. persimilis diet, which is the phytophagous spider mite.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 showing photographically P. persimilis reared by being fed on dead or immobilized C. / actis. As can be seen, the predator has a unique appearance, where it turns beige-white instead of the typical orange (when fed on the traditional spider mite diet) and the predator's dorsal shield is darker than the cuticle around it.

It is recognized here that two-spotted spider mites feed on many plant species and are a major pest of vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees, hops, cotton, and strawberries (van de Vrie et al, 1972). By now, it can be assumed that most of the major spider mite problems in greenhouses will involve the two-spotted spider mite. The larva, protonympha, deutonymph and adults feed mainly on the interior surfaces of the leaves. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a composition for controlling parasitic mites, in particular members of the Acari class, of the Tetranychidae family such as the two-spotted spider mite, more particularly spider mite species, especially the genera Tetranychus, Panonychus and various other species of mites. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the crop is selected from the group consisting of greenhouse crops and field crops. Non-limiting examples of types of crops within the scope of the present invention include vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees, hops, cotton and strawberries.

Specific examples of parasitic-host plant mites within the scope of the present invention include the following: Acanthaceae: Acanthus mollis; Justicia adhatoda.

Actinidiaceae: Actinidia chinensis; Actinidia deliciosa; Actinidia species. BE2019 / 5584 Adoxaceae: Sambucus canadensis; Sambucus chinensis; Sambucus edulus; Sambucus nigra; Sambucus sieboldiana; Sambucus species; Viburnum lantana; Viburnum opulus; Viburnum rhytidophyllum; Viburnum species; Viburnum tinus.

Aizoaceae: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Alstroemeriaceae: Alstroemeria species.

Amaranthaceae: Alrernanthera species; Amaranthus blitum; Amaranthus caudatus; Amaranthus graecizans; Amaranthus hybridus; Amaranthus mangostanus; Amaranthus palmeri; Amaranthus retroflexus; Amaranthus species; Amaranthus spinosus; Amaranthus viridis; Atriplex canescens; Atriplex lentiformis; Atriplex semibaccata; Beta vulgaris; Celosia argentea; Chenopodium album; Chenopodium mural; Chenopodium species; Dysphania ambrosioides; Haloxylon ammodendron; Iresin herbstii; Salsola vermiculata; Spinacia oleracea. Amaryllidaceae: Allium ampeloprasum; Allium cepa; Allium fistulosum; Allium sativum; Allium species; Narcissus species. Anacardiaceae: Mangifera indica; Pistacia terebinthus; Pistacia vera. Annonaceae: Annona muricata; Annona reticulata; Annona squamosa.

Apiaceae: Aegopodium podagraria; Ammi majus; Apium graveolens; Apium nodiflorum; Arracacia xanthorrhiza; Athamanta macedonica; Bupleurum lancifolium; Coriandrum sativum; Cryptotaenia canadensis; Daucus carota; Eryngium species; Foeniculum vulgare; Pastinaca sativa; Petroselinum crispum; Peucedanum japonicum; Phellolophium madagascariense; Spananthe species. Apocynaceae: Ampelamus laevis; Apocynum cannabinum; Asclepias species; Catharanthus roseus; Mandevilla species; Matelea carolinensis; Nerium oleander;

Plumeria species; Raphionacme species; Rauvolfia serpentina; Vinca major; species BE2019 / 5584 Vinca. Aquifoliaceae: / lex crenata.

Araceae: Alocasia macrorrhizos; Alocasia species; Anthurium species; Arum italicum; Arum species; Caladium bicolor; Caladium species; Calla species; Colocasia esculenta; Colocasia species; species Dieffenbachia; Epipremnum pinnatum; Philodendron species; Symplocarpus foetidus; Xanthosoma species; Zantedeschia aethiopica.

Araliaceae: Aralia species; Hedera canariensis; Hedera helix; Hedera species; Hydrocotyle umbellata; Polyscias balfouriana; Schefflera actinophylla; Schefflera elegantissima; Schefflera species; Tetrapanax papyrifer.

Araucariaceae: Agathis species; Araucaria species. Arecaceae: Dypsis species; Phoenix dactylifera; Phoenix species; Veitchia species. Aristolochiaceae: Aristolochia clematitis.

Asparagaceae: Asparagus laricinus; Asparagus officinalis; Asparagus setaceus; Asparagus species; Aspidistra elatior; Cordyline fruticosa; Cordyline species; Dracaena braunii; Dracaena fragrans; Dracaena goldieana; Dracaena species; Hyacinthus orientalis; Lachenalia ensifolia; Maianthemum racemosum; Ornithogalum species; Polygonatum odoratum; Ruscus aculeatus; Yucca species. Balsaminaceae: Impatiens balsamina; species Impatiens; Impatiens walleriana. Berberidaceae: Berberis cretica; Berberis thunbergii; Berberis vulgaris; Berberis wilsoniae; Nandina domestica. Betulaceae: Alnus incana; Betula maximowicziana; Betula papyrifera; Betula pendula; Carpinus species; Corylus avellana.

Bignoniaceae: Campsis radicans; Pyrostegia venusta; Tecoma capensis; Tecoma BE2019 / 5584 stans. Boraginaceae: Borago officinalis; Cynoglossum columnae; Heliotropium arborescens; Heliotropium eichwaldii; Heliotropium europaeum; Nama hispidum; Omphalodes verna. Brassicaceae: Aethionema saxatile; Brassica juncea; Brassica napus; Brassica oleracea; Brassica rapa; Brassica species; Capsella bursa-pastoris; Diplotaxis erucoides; Diplotaxis viminea; Eruca vesicaria; Erysimum graecum; Erysimum species; Erysimum x cheiri; Hirschfeldia incana; Lepidium didymum; Malcolmia species; Matthiola fruticulosa; Matthiola incana; Matthiola odoratissima; Nasturtium species; Raphanus raphanistrum; Raphanus species; Rapistrum rugosum; Rorippa indica; Sinapis arvensis; Zilla spinosa.

Bromeliaceae: Tillandsia species. Buxaceae: Buxus sempervirens.

Calophyllaceae: Mammea Americana. Campanulaceae: Campanula erinus; Lobelia species; Platycodon grandiflorus. Cannabaceae: Cannabis sativa; Celtis australis; Celtis occidentalis; Humulus lupulus; Humulus scandens; Trema micrantha. Cannaceae: Canna indica. Capparaceae: Capparis nummularia.

Caprifoliaceae: Cephalaria gigantea; Diervilla species; Leycesteria formosa; Lonicera etrusca; Lonicera nigra; Lonicera periclymenum; Lonicera species; Lonicera tatarica; Lonicera xylosteum; Pterocephalus plumosus; Scabiosa sicula;

Symphoria racemosa; Symphoricarpos albus; Symphoricarpos orbiculatus; Weigela BE2019 / 5584 hortensis. Caricaceae: Carica papaya.

Caryophyllaceae: Dianthus armeria; Dianthus barbatus; Dianthus caryophyllus; Dianthus chinensis; Dianthus species; Dianthus tenuiflorus; Drymaria cordata; Gypsophila paniculata; Myosoton aquaticum; Silene chalcedonica; Silene vulgaris; Stellaria media.

Celastraceae: Celastrus orbiculatus; Celastrus scandens; Euonymus europaeus; Euonymus japonicus; Euonymus species.

Cistaceae: Helianthemum salicifolium.

Cleomaceae: Cleome species; Cleome viscosa.

Clethraceae: Clethra arborea.

Combretaceae: Terminalia catappa.

Commelinaceae: Commelina benghalensis; Commelina communis; Commelina broadcast. Compositae: Acanthospermum hispidum; Achillea filipendulina; Achillea fraasii; Ageratum conyzoides; Ageratum houstonianum; Ambrosia trifida; Anthemis chia; Arctium lappa; Arctium minus; Arctotheca calendula; Arctotis species; Artemisia dracunculus; Bellis annua; Bidens bipinnata; Bidens biternata; Bidens pilosa; Bidens species; Boltonia species; Brachyscome species; Calendula arvensis; Calendula officinalis; Calendula species; Callistephus chinensis; Carduus crispus; Carthamus tinctorius; Centaurea cyanus; Centaurea hyalolepis; Centaurea iberica; Centaurea imperialis; Centaurea montana; Chaenactis stevioides; Chrysanthemum coronarium; Chrysanthemum indicum; Chrysanthemum morifolium; Chrysanthemum segetum; Chrysanthemum species; Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus; Cichorium endivia; Cichorium intybus; Cichorium pumilum; Cichorium spinosum; Conyza bonariensis; Conyza canadensis; Conyza species; Cosmos bipinnatus; Cosmos species; Crassocephalum BE2019 / 5584 crepidioides; Crepis neglecta; Crepis rubra; Cynara cardunculus; Cynara species; Dahlia coccinea; Dahlia species; Dahlia variabilis; Elephantopus mollis; Erigeron annuus; Erigeron species; Euryops species; Euthamia graminifolia; Galinsoga caracasana; Galinsoga ciliata; Galinsoga parviflora; Gerbera jamesonii; Gerbera species; Helianthella quinquenervis; Helianthus annuus; Helichrysum luteoalbum; Helichrysum tenax; Helichrysum thianschanicum; Heliopsis species; Helminthotheca echioides; Lactuca saligna; Lactuca sativa; Lactuca serriola; Lapsana communis; Leontodon autumnalis; Leucanthemum vulgare; Melampodium perfoliatum; Melanthera aspera; Mikania micrantha; Montanoa bipinnatifida; Notobasis syriaca; Osteospermum species; Parthenium species; Pentzia globosa; Picris pauciflora; Picris sprengeriana; Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium; Rudbeckia amplexicaulis; Rudbeckia species; Schkuhria pinnata; Scolymus maculatus; Scorzonera species; Senecio lividus; Senecio species; Senecio vulgaris; Solidago gigantea; Sonchus arvensis; Sonchus asper; Sonchus oleraceus; Sonchus species; Tagetes erecta; Tagetes microglossa; Tagetes minuta; Tagetes patula; Tagetes species; Taraxacum officinale; Tithonia rotundifolia; Tragopogon dubius; Tragopogon pratensis; Tridax procumbens; Urospermum dalechampii; Vernonia species; Xanthium strumarium; Zinnia elegans; Zinnia species.

Convolvulaceae: Calystegia hederacea; Calystegia sepium; Convolvulaceae species; Convolvulus arvensis; Convolvulus hirsutus; Convolvulus scammonia; Convolvulus siculus; Convolvulus species; Convolvulus tricolor; Dinetus racemosus; Ipomoea aquatica; Ipomoea arachnosperma; Ipomoea batatas; Ipomoea biflora; Ipomoea cairica; Ipomoea hochstetteri; Ipomoea indica; Ipomoea lacunosa; Ipomoea lobata; Ipomoea nil; Ipomoea purpurea; Ipomoea species; Ipomoea tricolor; Ipomoea triloba. Cornaceae: Cornus alba; Cornus canadensis; Cornus nuttallii; Cornus species.

Cucurbitaceae: Benincasa hispida; Bryonia alba; Citrullus colocynthis; Citrullus lanatus; Cucumis melo; Cucumis sativus; Cucumis species; Cucurbita ficifolia; Cucurbita maxima; Cucurbita moschata; Cucurbita pepo; Cucurbita species; species Cucurbitaceae; Diplocyclos palmatus; Ecballium elaterium; Lagenaria siceraria;

Loofah acutangula; Loofah cylindrica; Momordica charantia; Praecitrullus fistulosus; BE2019 / 5584 Sechium edule. Cupressaceae: Chamaecyparis thyoides; Cupressus species; Juniperus arizonica; Juniperus virginiana; Platycladus orientalis. Cyperaceae: Cyperus esculentus; Cyperus rotundus; Cyperus schimperianus. Dipterocarpaceae: Shorea robusta.

Ebenaceae: Diospyros kaki; Diospyros scabrida.

Elaeagnaceae: Elaeagnus angustifolia; Elaeagnus umbellata.

Equisetaceae: Equisetum palustre.

Ericaceae: Azalea nudiflora; Azalea species; Rhododendron species; Siphonandra species.

Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha australis; Acalypha havanensis; Acalypha species; Acalypha wilkesiana; Codiaeum species; Codiaeum variegatum; Croton niveus; Croton species; Euphorbia amygdaloides; Euphorbia burmanni; Euphorbia helenae; Euphorbia helioscopia; Euphorbia hirta; Euphorbia hypericifolia; Euphorbia parviflora; Euphorbia pulcherrima; Euphorbia species; Hevea brasiliensis; Hura crepitans; Jatropha gossypiifolia; Jatropha hastata; Jatropha multifida; Jatropha species; Manihot esculenta; Manihot species; Mercurialis annua; Mercurialis species; Ricinus communis.

Fagaceae: Quercus alba; Quercus robur; Quercus species.

Garryaceae: Aucuba japonica.

Gentianaceae: Eustoma grandiflorum; Gentiana species.

Geraniaceae: Erodium alnifolium; Geranium carolinianum; Geranium dissectum; BE2019 / 5584 Geranium lucidum; Soft Geranium; Geranium rotundifolium; Geranium species; Pelargonium inquinans; Pelargonium species. Gesneriaceae: Saintpaulia ionantha.

Goodeniaceae: Goodenia species; Scaevola species. Grossulariaceae: Ribes americanum; Ribes nigrum; Ribes rubrum.

Heliconiaceae: Heliconia bihai; Heliconia latispatha. Hydrangeaceae: Deutzia species; Hydrangea macrophylla; Hydrangea paniculata; Hydrangea species; Philadelphus coronarius; Philadelphus sericanthus.

Iridaceae: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora; Gladiolus hortulanus; Gladiolus italicus; Gladiolus species; Iris sanguinea; Iris x germanica; Ixia flexuosa. Juglandaceae: Carya illinoinensis; Juglans regia; Juglans species.

Lamiaceae: Ajuga species; Ballota africana; Clerodendrum chinense; Clerodendrum thomsoniae; Galeopsis speciosa; Galeopsis tetrahit; Glechoma hederacea; Glechoma species; Holmskioldia sanguinea; Holmskioldia species; Lamium album; Lamium amplexicaule; Lamium purpureum; Lamium species; Lavandula species; Leonotis ocymifolia; Leucas martinicensis; Marrubium vulgare; Melissa officinalis; Mentha arvensis; Mentha species; Mentha spicata; Mentha x piperita; Moluccella laevis; Monarda fistulosa; Nepeta cataria; Ocimum basilicum; Ocimum tenuiflorum; Perilla frutescens; Rosmarinus officinalis; Salvia argentea; Salvia officinalis; Salvia pratensis; Salvia species; Salvia splendens; Salvia verticillata; Salvia viridis; Stachys arvensis; Vitex negundo. Lauraceae: Cassytha species; Endlicheria paniculata; Laurus nobilis; Persea americana.

Leguminosae: Acacia grœufii; Acacia horrida; Acacia huarango; Acacia karroo; BE2019 / 5584 Acacia robusta; Acacia species; Alysicarpus longifolius; Amphicarpaea bracteata; Anthyllis vulneraria; Arachis hypogaea; Arachis species; Astragalus sinicus; Bauhinia forficata; Bauhinia monandra; Bauhinia species; Bauhinia variegata; Bituminaria bituminosa; Canavalia ensiformis; Caragana arborescens; Cassia artemisioides; Ceratonia siliqua; Cercis siliquastrum; Cicer arietinum; Clianthus species; Clitoria ternatea; Coronilla valentina; Crotalaria juncea; Crotalaria micans; Crotalaria species; Dalbergia sissoo; Dalea mollis; Desmodium khasianum; Dolichos species; Erythrina corallodendron; Ervthrina poeppigiana; Erythrina species; Genista species; Gleditsia species; Glycine max; Indigofera arrecta; Indigofera holubii; Indigofera tinctoria; Inga species; Kennedia coccinea; Lablab purpureus; Laburnum anagyroides; Laburnum species; Lathyrus cicera; Lathyrus odoratus; Lathyrus sativus; Lens culinaris; Lespedeza maximowiczii; Lotus corniculatus; Lupinus arboreus; Lupinus argenteus; Lupinus sativus; Macroptilium atropurpureum; Macroptilium lathyroides; Medicago arabica; Medicago arborea; Medicago lupulina; Medicago orbicularis; Medicago polymorpha; Medicago sativa; Medicago species; Melilotus albus; Melilotus indicus; Melilotus species; Mucuna membranacea; Mucuna pruriens; Neonotonia wightii; Neorautanenia mitis; Onobrychis viciifolia; Ornithopus species; Phaseolus acutifolius; Phaseolus coccineus; Phaseolus lunatus; Phaseolus species; Phaseolus vulgaris; Pisum sativum; Psophocarpus tetragonolobus; Pueraria montana; Pueraria phaseoloides; Rhynchosia capitata; Rhynchosia caribaea; Robinia hispida; Robinia pseudoacacia; Sesbania cannabina; Sesbania herbacea; Spartium junceum; Styphnolobium japonicum; Teramnus uncinatus; Tipuana tipu; Trifolium alexandrinum; Trifolium aureum; Trifolium dasyurum; Trifolium dubium; Trifolium glomeratum; Trifolium hybrideum; Trifolium incarnatum; Trifolium pratense; Trifolium purpureum; Trifolium repens; Trifolium species; Trifolium spumosum; Vicia angustifolia; Vicia Jaba; Vicia pulchella; Vicia sativa; Vicia species; Vicia villosa; Vigna aconitifolia; Vigna angularis; Vigna mungo; Vigna radiata; Vigna species; Vigna unguiculata; Wisteria floribunda; Wisteria polystachya; Wisteria sinensis.

Liliaceae: Lilium species. Linaceae: Reinwardtia tetragyna.

Lythraceae: Cuphea species; Lagerstroemia speciosa; Punica granatum. Magnoliaceae: Magnolia liliiflora; Magnolia species; Magnolia stellata.

Malvaceae: Abelmoschus esculentus; Abutilon pictum; Abutilon reflexum; Abutilon species; Abutilon theophrasti; Abutilon tubulosum; Alcea rosea; Althaea nudiflora; Bytineria australis; Ceiba pentandra; Corchorus capsularis; Corchorus olitorius; Gossypium barbadense; Gossypium herbaceum; Gossypium hirsutum; Gossypium species; Grewia asiatica; Grewia biloba; Helicteres guazumifolia; Hibiscus lunartifolius; Hibiscus mutabilis; Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; Hibiscus species; Hibiscus syriacus; Hibiscus trionum; Malva aegyptia; Malva moschata; Malva neglecta; Malva nicaeensis; Malva parviflora; Malva species; Malva sylvestris; Malva trimestris; Malvella leprosa; Sida rhombifolia; AIDS species; Sterculia murex; Tilia americana; Tilia cordata; Tilia platyphyllos; Tilia rubra; Tilia species; Tilia tomentosa; Tilia x euchlora; Triumfetta semitriloba; Waltheria indica. Marantaceae: Calathea species; Maranta species. Meliaceae: Azadirachta indica; Melia azedarach; Toona ciliata. Menispermaceae: Tinospora fragosa. Moraceae: Artocarpus altilis; Ficus carica; Ficus elastica; Ficus religiosa; Ficus species; Morus alba; Morus nigra; Morus rubra; Morus species. Moringaceae: Moringa oleifera. Musaceae: Musa acuminata; Musa basjoo; Musa species; Musa x paradisiaca.

Myrtaceae: Eucalyptus grandis; Psidium cattleianum; Psidium guajava; Syzygium cumini. Nothofagaceae: Nothofagus alpina.

Nyctaginaceae: Bougainvillea spectabilis. Olacaceae: Ximenia americana.

Oleaceae: Forsythia koreana; Forsythia suspensa; Forsythia x intermedia; Fraxinus angustifolia; Fraxinus excelsior; Fraxinus ornus; Fraxinus species; Jasminum humiliates; Jasminum nudiflorum; Jasminum officinale; Jasminum sambac; Jasminum species; Ligustrum lucidum; Ligustrum vulgare; Olea europaea; Osmanthus fragrans; Syringa oblata; Syringa vulgaris. Onagraceae: Chylismia claviformis; Epilobium angustifolium; Fuchsia magellanica; Fuchsia species; Fuchsia x hybrida; Gaura species; Oenothera biennis; Oenothera laciniata; Oenothera species; Oenothera tetraptera.

Orchidaceae: Catasetum species; Cymbidium species; Orchidaceae species; Papilionanthe teres. Oxalidaceae: Oxalis corniculata; Oxalis debilis; Oxalis europaea; Oxalis floribunda; Oxdlis species. Papaveraceae: Argemone mexicana; Bocconia frutescens; Chelidonium majus; Chelidonium species; Dicentra species; Eschscholzia species; Fumaria officinalis; Papaver aculeatum; Papaver nudicaule; Papaver Orientale; Papaver rhoeas; Papaver somniferum. Passifloraceae: Passiflora caerulea; Passiflora edulis; Passiflora foetida; Passiflora mollissima; Passiflora species.

Paulowniaceae: Paulownia fortunei. Pedaliaceae: Sesamum indicum. Phyllanthaceae: Phyllanthus amarus; Phyllanthus species.

Phytolaccaceae: Petiveria alliacea; Phytolacca americana; Phytolacca dioica; Phytolacca esculenta; Phytolacca icosandra. Pinaceae: Pinus sylvestris; Tsuga canadensis. Pittosporaceae: Pittosporum tobira. Plantaginaceae: Angelonia species; Antirrhinum majus; Digitalis purpurea; Hippuris vulgaris; Linaria genistifolia; Mecardonia procumbens; Plantago asiatica; Plantago lanceolata; Plantago major; Plantago species; Veronica persica; Veronica species; Veronica teucrium.

Platanaceae: Platanus orientalis; Platanus species.

Plumbaginaceae: Limoniastru guyonianum; Limonium sinuatum; Plumbago auriculata; Plumbago species.

Poaceae: Aegilops species; Agropyron desertorum; Aira species; Avena fatua; Avena sativa; Avena species; Avena sterilis; Bambusa species; Bromus catharticus; Bromus species; Chondrosum barbatum; Cynodon dactylon; Dactyloctenium aegyptium; Digitaria argillacea; Digitaria ciliaris; Digitaria diversinervis; Digitaria sanguinalis; Eleusine coracana; Elymus hispidus; Elymus repens; Eragrostis species; Festuca arundinacea; Festuca species; Helictotrichon pratense; Hordeum species; Lolium multiflorum; Lolium species; Ophiuros exaltatus; Oryza glaberrima; Oryza sativa; Panicum miliaceum; Panicum species; Paspalum dilatatum; Pennisetum clandestinum; Pennisetum purpureum; Phleum pratense; Poa annua; Poa pratensis; Poa trivialis; species Poaceae; Rottboellia cochinchinensis; Saccharum officinarum; Setaria pumila; Setaria viridis; Sitanion hystrix; Sorghum bicolor; Sorghum halepense; Sorghum species; Stenotaphrum secundatum; Triticum species; Zea mays; Zeugites species.

Polemoniaceae: Phlox carolina; Phlox paniculata; Phlox species.

Polygonaceae: Emex australis; Fallopia baldschuanica; Fallopia convolvulus; BE2019 / 5584 Persicaria hydropiper; Persicaria longiseta; Persicaria maculosa; Persicaria pensylvanica; Polygonum argyrocoleon; Polygonum aviculare; Rumex acetosa; Rumex acetosella; Rumex crispus; Rumex japonicus; Rumex obtusifolius; Rumex species. Pontederiaceae: Eichhornia crassipes. Portulacaceae: Portulaca oleracea.

Primulaceae: Cyclamen graecum; Cyclamen hederifolium; Cyclamen persicum; Cyclamen species; Primula denticulata; Primula polyantha; Primula species; Primula veris.

Ranunculaceae: Adonis aestivalis; Anemone coronaria; Anemone hortensis; Aquilegia species; Clematis paniculata; Clematis species; Delphinium species; Helleborus species; Ranunculus asiaticus; Thalictrum fendleri.

Resedaceae: Reseda odorata.

Rhamnaceae: Frangula dodonei; Helinus integrifolius; Rhamnus alpina; Rhamnus imeretina; Ziziphus jujuba; Ziziphus spina-christi.

Rosaceae: Alchemilla vulgaris; Armeniaca mume; Cerasus lusitanica; Cerasus serrula; Cerasus vulgaris; Chaenomeles japonica; Chaenomeles sinensis; Cotoneaster horizontalis; Cotoneaster microphyllus; Cotoneaster tomentosa; Crataegus laevigata; Crataegus monogyna; Crataegus sanguinea; Cydonia oblonga; Eriobotrya japonica; Filipendula ulmaria; Fragaria moschata; Fragaria vesca; Fragaria virginiana; Fragaria x ananassa; Rival Geum; Malus domestica; Malus floribunda; Malus pumila; Malus species; Marcetella maderensis; Padus avium; Potentilla fragarioides; Potentilla fruticosa; Potentilla norvegica; Potentilla tanacetifolia; Prunus amygdalus; Prunus armeniaca; Prunus avium; Prunus cerasifera; Prunus cerasoides; Prunus cerasus; Prunus domestica; Prunus insititia; Prunus lusitanica; Prunus persica; Prunus salicina; Prunus serotina; Prunus species;

Prunus spinosa; Pyracantha coccinea; Pyracantha koidzumii; Pyracantha species; BE2019 / 5584 Pyrus communis; Pyrus pyrifolia; Pyrus species; Rosa canina; Rosa cymosa; Rosa hybrida; Rosa multiflora; Rosa odorata; Rosa rugosa; Rosa species; Rosa x alba; Rosa x centifolia; Rosa x damascena; Rosa x rugosa; Rubus buergeri; Rubus chaerophyllus; Rubus chingii; Rubus fruticosus; Rubus idaeus; Rubus Hoydianus; Rubus occidentalis; Rubus species; Rubus ulmifolius; Sorbus aucuparia; Sorbus species; Spiraea japonica. Rubiaceae: Coffea arabica; Coffea species; Galium aparine; Galium stellatum; Gardenia jasminoides; Gardenia species. Rutaceae: Choisya ternata; Citrus aurantiifolia; Citrus aurantium; Citrus clementina; Citrus limon; Citrus maxima; Citrus medica; Citrus paradisi; Citrus reticulata; Citrus sinensis; Citrus species; Citrus trifoliata; Ruta graveolens; Zanthoxylum rhoifolium. Salicaceae: Dovyalis caffra; Populus alba; Populus nigra; Populus species; Populus tremula; Populus x canadensis; Salix aegyptiaca; Salix alba; Salix babylonica; Salix caprea; Salix chaenomeloides; Salix dephnoides; Salix fragilis; Salix species; Salix viminalis. Sapindaceae: Acer campestre; Acer negundo; Acer platanoides; Acer pseudoplatanus; Acer rubrum; Acer saccharum; Acer species; Aesculus glabra; Dodonaea viscosa; Koelreuteria paniculata; Litchi sinensis; Sapindus species.

Saxifragaceae: Rodgersia podophylla. Scrophulariaceae: Buddleja davidii; Buddleja madagascariensis; Diascia species; Myoporum species; Nemesia species; Verbascum blattaria.

Simaroubaceae: Ailanthus altissima. Solanaceae: Acnistus arborescens; Brugmansia arborea; Brugmansia suaveolens; Brugmansia x candida; Calibrachoa species; Capsicum annuum; Capsicum species;

Cestrum cyaneum; Cestrum elegans; Cestrum strigillatum; Cyphomandra species; BE2019 / 5584 Datura metel; Datura species; Datura stramonium; Lycium chinense; Nicandra physalodes; Nicotiana glauca; Nicotiana species; Nicotiana tabacum; Petunia species; Petunia x hybrid; Physalis acutifolia; Physalis alkekengi; Physalis angulata; Physalis lagascae; Physalis peruviana; Salpichroa origanifolia; Solanum aethiopicum; Solanum americanum; Solanum capsicoides; Solanum carolinense; Solanum delagoense; Solanum elaeagnifolium; Solanum grandiflorum; Solanum laciniatum; Solanum lycopersicum; Solanum macrocarpon; Solanum mammosum; Solanum melongena; Solanum muricatum; Solanum nigrum; Solanum panduraeforme; Solanum quitoense; Solanum species; Solanum tuberosum; Withania somnifera. Strelitziaceae: Strelitzia reginae.

Theaceae: Camellia japonica; Camellia sinensis; Camellia species. Thymelaeaceae: Dais cotinifolia. Tropaeolaceae: Tropaeolum majus; Tropaeolum species.

Ulmaceae: Ulmus americana; Ulmus glabra; Ulmus laevis; Ulmus pumila; Ulmus rubra; Ulmus species. Urticaceae: Boehmeria nivea; Laportea aestuans; Parietaria judaica; Parietaria officinalis; Pipturus albidus; Urtica dioica; Urtica species; Urtica urens. Verbenaceae: Aloysia citriodora; Duranta erecta; Glandularia phlogiflora; Lantana camara; Lippia alba; Verbena bracteata; Verbena brasiliensis; Verbena hybrida; Verbena officinalis; Verbena species.

Violaceae: Viola odorata; species Viola; Viola tricolor; Viola x wittrockiana. Vitaceae: Ampelopsis species; Parthenocissus quinquefolia; Parthenocissus tricuspidata; Vitis species; Vitis vinifera.

Xanthorrhoeaceae: Hemerocallis fulva; Hemerocallis minor. Zingiberaceae: Curcuma longa; Zingiber mioga.

Zygophyllaceae: Tribulus terrestris. The term "fungus reducing agent" or "fungus reducing agent" hereinafter refers to chemical fungus reducing agents such as a natural or synthetic fungicide, or to a biological fungus reducing agent such as a fungus population. 'a species of mite producing antifungal exudates, or a population of mycophagous mites, in particular selected from Astigmata, for example populations of living Carpoglyphus lactis or Lepidoglyphus destructor individuals. Such populations of fungus reducing mites are disclosed in document WO2013 / 103294. It is within the scope of the present invention that the rearing composition as defined in any of the above paragraphs is devoid of or free of a fungus reducing agent. The claimed Phytoseiulus mites of the present invention are capable of completing their life cycle and reproducing for at least 2 generations when reared by being fed on immobilized Astigmata individuals including mites at any stage of development and / or eggs. It is noted that the developmental stages of non-viable Astigmata mites are unable to produce or secrete a fungus reducing agent. Reference is now made to Figures 11 to 17 showing combinations of elements particularly contemplated for the embodiments of the various aspects of the invention. The numbers listed provide a reference number for a particular combination of items. Figure 11 shows combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with the values of the daily oviposition rate (O) as particularly contemplated for use in the different aspects of the present invention. The indicated BE2019 / 5584 numbers (PO1-PO638) provide a reference number for a particular combination of (P) and (O) values that correspond to values at the intersection of (P) and (O) values, where the number reference is positioned. When a reference number is positioned at the intersection of a value (P) and (O), the combination of the values (P) and (O) is thus envisaged for use in accordance with various aspects of the invention. In Figure 12, as in Figure 11, combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) are combined with the values of the percentage of juvenile survival (J) such as particularly contemplated for use in the various aspects of the present invention are presented. The numbers shown (PJ1-PJ352) provide a reference number for a particular combination of values (P) and (J) that correspond to values at the intersection of values (P) and (J) where the reference number is positioned . When a reference number is positioned at the intersection of a value (P) and (J), the combination of values (P) and (J) is thus contemplated for use in accordance with various aspects of the invention. In the figure, the term "non-limiting" means that in the indicated embodiment, the percentage of females capable of reproducing by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey, is not a limiting element. So this element can have any value and so does not need to be specified or (explicitly) mentioned. In the figure, “sense. early. Means substantially all.

In Figure 13, as in Figure 11, combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) are combined with the values of the percentage of female survival (F) such as particularly contemplated for use in various aspects of the present invention. The numbers shown (PF1-PF330) provide a reference number for a particular combination of values (P) and (F) that correspond to values at the intersection of values (P) and (F) where the reference number is positioned . When a reference number is positioned at the intersection of a value (P) and (F), the combination of values (P) and (F) is thus contemplated for use in accordance with various aspects of the invention. In the figure, "non-limiting" means that in the embodiments shown, the percentage of females capable of reproducing by BE2019 / 5584 feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is not a limiting element.

So this element can have any value and so does not need to be specified or (explicitly) mentioned.

In the figure, “sense. early. Means substantially all.

In Figure 14, as in Figure 11, combinations of the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) combined with lambda values of the daily reproduction rate (R) such as particularly contemplated for use in the various aspects of the present invention are presented.

The numbers shown (PR1-PR198) provide a reference number for a particular combination of (P) and (R) values that correspond to the values at the intersection of the (P) and (R) values where the reference number is positioned .

When a reference number is positioned at the intersection of a value (P) and (R), the combination of values (P) and (R) is thus contemplated for use in accordance with various aspects of the invention.

In the figure, "non-limiting" means that in the embodiments shown, the percentage of females capable of reproducing by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey is not a limiting factor.

So this element can have any value and so does not need to be specified or (explicitly) mentioned.

In the figure, “sense. early. Means substantially all.

In Figure 15, combinations of the Phytoseiulus species with (groups of) Astigmatid mites specifically contemplated for use in embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention are shown.

The numbers shown (PA1-PA270) provide a reference number for a particular combination of a Phytoseiulus species and (groups of) Astigmatid mites where the reference number intersects.

When in the figure a reference number is presented, the particular combination is envisaged for the embodiments of the various aspects of the invention.

Reference numbers shown in bold refer to a preferred combination.

Reference numbers shown in bold and underlined refer to a more preferred combination.

Figure 16 shows additional combinations of combinations of BE2019 / 5584 Phytoseiulus x species (groups of) Astigmatid mites (indicated by reference numbers PA1-PA270 in Figure 15) with the percentage of females capable of reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey (P) x percent survival values of females (F) (indicated by reference numbers PF1-PF330 Figure 13). Where "X" is shown, the specific combination is contemplated or applied in embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention. Figure 17 shows additional combinations of combinations of Phytoseiulus x species (groups of) Astigmatid mites (indicated by reference numbers PA1-PA270 in Figure 15) with the percentage of females able to reproduce by feeding on the arthropod prey non spider mite (P) x oviposition rate values (indicated by reference numbers PO1-PO638 in Figure 13). Where "X" is shown, the specific combination is contemplated or applied in embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention.

The following embodiments of the various aspects of the invention are particularly contemplated.

1. Population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably on non-spider mite arthropod prey immobilized, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages life cycle including immobilized eggs.

2. Population of predatory mites according to embodiment 1, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45% , at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, BE2019 / 5584 of preferably an Astigmatid prey, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as an immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

3. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are capable of oviposition by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably. of immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

4. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as> 0.60,> 0.65. ,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20 ,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, = 1.60,> 1.65, = 1.70 ,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs.

5. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55, such as> 0.60,> 0.65. ,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20 ,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60, = 1.65, = 1.70 ,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female, when using non-spider mite arthropod prey as sole power supply.

6. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals are capable of completing a complete ontogenetic cycle, when using the non-spider mite arthropod prey. as the only power source.

7. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at least 40%, preferably at least. minus 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, BE2019 / 5584 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on non-spider mite prey.

8. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations. , wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.9 or 10 generations.

9. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1. , 15 to 1.40, from 1.20 to 1.40, from 1.25 to 1.40, from 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 to 1 , 30, 1.10-1.25, 1.10-1.20 feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs .

10. A predatory mite population according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the female individuals exhibit predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species, preferably predatory behavior characterized by a rate daily oviposition of at least 10, preferably at least 15, more preferably at least 19 eggs per female in 5 days.

11. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the population exhibits an increased reproduction rate compared to a population of control Phytoseiulus predators of the same species comprising a fraction of capable female individuals. reproduce by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, less than 10%.

12. Population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55 eggs / day / female, such as> 0.60,> 0.65 ,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90, BE2019 / 5584> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55,> 1.60,> 1.65,> 1.70, = 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90, = 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female, while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey , preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting stages immobilized life cycle including immobilized eggs.

13. A predatory mite population according to embodiment 12, wherein the population is characterized by a juvenile and / or female survival rate of at least 40% by feeding on the non-spider mite prey.

14. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 12 to 13, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.9 or 10 generations.

15. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1. , 15 to 1.40, from 1.20 to 1.40, from 1.25 to 1.40, from 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 to 1 , 30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20.

16. Population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40 %, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90 %, at least 95%, or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-spider mite prey phytophagous, preferably of Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized BE2019 / 5584 eggs.

17. Predatory mite population comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as prey non-phytophagous, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, compared to a population of Phytoseiulus predators controls of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproducing by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, less than 10%.

18. Phytoseiulus predatory mite population according to embodiment 17, wherein the improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is characterized by at least one of: increased daily reproduction rate, increased daily reproduction rate, increased daily oviposition, an increased survival rate, an increased percentage of female individuals reproducing by feeding on said prey, and improved predatory behavior towards a Tetranychidae.

19. A predatory mite population according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the predatory individuals are from a species selected from Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

20. A predatory mite population according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein breeding while feeding non-spider mite prey is breeding while feeding Astigmatid mite species selected from: 1) Carpoglyphidae such as those of the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis;

ti) Pyroglyphidae such as those of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; of the genus Euroglyphus, for example Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus; ti) Glycyphagidae such as those of the Crenoglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Diamesoglyphus for example Diamesoglyphus intermedius or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii,

Ctenoglyphus palmifer; of the Glycyphaginae subfamily, such as those of the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or of the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphidphus fogus michaly destructor, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; of the Aëroglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the Aéroglyphus genus, for example Aëroglyphus robustus; of the Labidophorinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Gohieria, for example Gohieria. fusca; or of the Nycreriglyphinae subfamily such as those of the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or of the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, such as of the genus

Chortoglyphus for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably is selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, more preferably is selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor;

iv) Acaridae such as those of the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, of the genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus Jarris, Acarus gracilis; of the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, of the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus; of the genus Aleuroglyphus,

for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus;

v) Suidasiidae such as those of the genus Suidasia, such as Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis.

21. A mite-based composition comprising a population of predatory mites BE2019 / 5584 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20 together with a vector material, such as a vector material selected from sawdust, bran. wheat, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising shelters for mites.

22. A mite-based composition according to embodiment 21, comprising a food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the food source comprises non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising eggs immobilized.

23. Use of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably of an immobilized non-spider mite arthropod species, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, as a food source, preferably as farmed prey, for a population of mites predatory of predatory individuals Phytoseiulus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

24. Use according to embodiment 23, wherein said use comprises releasing individuals of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably of immobilized non-spider mite species, such as non-phytophagous prey. , preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs, preferably the use comprises the release of the non-spider mite arthropod species using a device comprising an outlet for the mobile life cycle stages of the species BE2019 / 5584 of non-spider mite arthropod mite, preferably an outlet suitable for providing sustained release from a number of mobile life cycle stages.

25. Device for the release of individuals of a species of predatory mite Phytoseiulus, said device comprising a reservoir containing a population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, preferably in a composition according to. any of embodiments 21-22, wherein the device comprises an output for the mobile stages of the life cycle of the predatory mite species Phytoseiulus, preferably an output suitable for providing sustained release of a number of moving stages of the life cycle.

26. Use of a population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, or of a mite-based composition according to any one of embodiments 21 to 22, preferably in a device according to embodiment 24, for crop protection.

27. A method of rearing predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, said method comprising providing a population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, preferably in a composition according to any one of the modes. Achievement 21-22 and allowing predatory Phytoseiulus individuals to feed on non-spider mite arthropod prey.

A method for obtaining a predatory mite population according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a breeding population of a selected predatory mite species from the genus Phytoseiulus, said breeding population comprising individuals of the species Phytoseiulus preferably together with a food source suitable for individuals Phytoseiulus, said food source comprising a prey species selected from Tetranychidae;

(b) providing a preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod, BE2019 / 5584 preferably an Astigmatid mite species, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid mite species with immobilized stages of the cycle life including immobilized eggs; (c) provision of the pre-selected species of non-spider mite arthropod to Phytoseiulus individuals as a food source; (d) selecting those Phytoseiulus individuals which are capable of reproduction while using the preselected non-spider mite arthropod individuals as a food source; (e) rearing the selected Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with a food source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod; (f) optionally, alternately breeding the selected Phytoseiulus individuals in a sequence of: - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a feed source comprising the preselected species of arthropod not spider mite; - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the prey species selected from Tetranychidae.

29. The method according to embodiment 28, wherein the method further comprises the steps of a. separation of eggs from the preselected non-spider mite species; b. mixing the separated eggs with a carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof and water, so as to coat the carrier material with a layer of eggs;

vs. freezing the mixture; and D. breeding Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with the mixture as a source of food.

30. A method according to any one of embodiments 28 to 29, wherein the breeding population provided is a population composed of a number of sub-populations, wherein said sub-populations are from separate sources, such as. than distinct production populations and / or isolated natural populations from distinct geographic locations.

31. A method according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein the breeding population provided comprises at least 100 individuals, such as between 200 and 5000 individuals, preferably between 500 and 1500 individuals.

32. A method of obtaining a population of predatory mites capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably on immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably on non-spider mite prey. Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages comprising immobilized eggs, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a breeding population of a predatory mite species selected from the genus Phytoseiulus, said breeding population comprising individuals of the species Phytoseiulus, reared on a feed source suitable for Phytoseiulus individuals, said food source comprising a prey species selected from the species Tetranychidae of the genus Phytoseiulus; b. providing a population of individuals of a preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod, preferably of an Astigmatid mite species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid mite species having immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs;

vs. the rearing of Phytoseiulus individuals by feeding them the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod as a food source.

33. The method according to embodiment 32, further comprising the steps of: d. selection of Phytoseiulus individuals which are capable of reproduction while using the preselected non-spider mite arthropod individuals as a food source; e. rearing selected Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with a food source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod; f. optionally, alternately breeding the selected Phytoseiulus individuals in a sequence of: - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a feed source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod ; - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the prey species selected from Tetranychidae.

34. A mite composition comprising a population of predatory mites according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20 together with immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey comprising immobilized eggs, such as an immobilized Astigmatid mite species exhibiting immobilized life cycle stages including frozen eggs, in which the eggs are coated with a carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising shelters for mites, or wherein the vector material, such as a vector material selected from or comprising a mixture of sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, preferably a vector r having BE2019 / 5584 vector elements comprising mite shelters is coated with immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey.

35. Device for the release of individuals of a species of predatory mite Phytoseiulus, said device comprising a reservoir containing the composition according to embodiment 34, wherein the reservoir comprises an outlet for the mobile stages of the life cycle of. the predatory mite species Phytoseiulus, preferably an outlet suitable for providing sustained release from a number of mobile life cycle stages.

36. Biological control composition in which the composition comprises a. a predatory mite population comprising individuals of at least one species of mite of the genus Phytoseiulus capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs; and B. a population of prey mites comprising individuals of non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, and c. optionally a carrier, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a carrier having vector elements including shelters for mites.

37. Biocontrol composition according to embodiment 36, wherein at BE2019 / 5584 at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably prey non-immobilized spider mite arthropod, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

38. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 37, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40% , at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% , at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey , preferably an Astigmatid prey, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as an immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular a Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs.

39. A biocontrol composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are capable of oviposition by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey having immobilized stages. life cycle including immobilized eggs.

40. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 39, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0, 60,> 0.65, = 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00, = 1.05,> 1.10,> 1, 15,> 1.20, = 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50, = 1.55,> 1.60, = 1, 65,> 1.70,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female.

41. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 40, wherein the population has a daily oviposition rate of at least at least 0.50, such as> 0.55, = 0, 60,> 0.65, = 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95, = 1.00, = 1.05,

> 1.10,> 1.15, = 1.20,> 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, > 1.60, BE2019 / 5584> 1.65,> 1.70, = 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female, when non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as the sole food source.

42. A biocontrol composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 41, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals are able to complete a complete ontogenetic cycle by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey, when the The non-spider mite arthropod prey is used as the sole food source.

43. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 42, in which the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at least 40%, preferably of at least 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on non-spider mite prey.

44. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 43, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.9 or 10 generations.

45. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 44, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1, 15 to 1.40, from 1.20 to 1.40, from 1.25 to 1.40, from 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 to 1, 30, 1.10 to 1.25, 1.10 to 1.20 by feeding on non-spider mite prey.

46. A biocontrol composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 45, wherein the female individuals exhibit predatory behavior towards individuals of a spider mite species, preferably predatory behavior characterized by a level of spider mite. daily reproduction of at least 10, preferably at least BE2019 / 5584 at least 15, more preferably at least 19 eggs per female in 5 days.

47. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 46, wherein the population exhibits an increased reproduction rate compared to a population of control Phytoseiulus predators of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproduce by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, less than 10%.

48. Biological control composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.50, such as> 0.55,> 0.60,> 0.65, > 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20, > 1.25,> 1.30,> 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50,> 1.55, = 1.60, = 1.65, = 1.70, > 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85,> 1.90,> 1.95 or at least 2.00 eggs / day / female while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably d 'immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly prey Carpoglyphus, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs.

49. Biological control composition according to embodiment 48, wherein the population is characterized by a survival rate of juveniles and / or females of at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% when feeding on non-spider mite prey.

50. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 48 to 49, wherein the at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.9 or 10 generations.

51. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 48 BE2019 / 5584 to 50, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as from 1.15 to 1.40, from 1.20 to 1.40, from 1.25 to 1.40, from 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 at 1.30, from 1.10 to 1.25, from 1.10 to 1.20.

52. A biological control composition according to any one of embodiments 48 to 51, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40% , at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% , at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey , preferably an Astigmatid prey, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as an immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular a Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs.

53. Biocontrol composition comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the population is characterized by improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-spider mite prey. phytophagous, preferably of Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular of Carpoglyphus prey, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle comprising immobilized eggs , compared to a control population of Phytoseiulus predators of the same species comprising a fraction of female individuals capable of reproduction by feeding on immobilized Astigmatid prey with immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs, less than 10% .

54. A biocontrol composition according to embodiment 53, wherein the improved reproduction by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey is characterized by at least one of: increased daily reproduction rate, oviposition rate increased daily life, increased survival rate, increased percentage of female individuals reproducing by feeding on said prey, and improved predatory behavior = BE2019 / 5584 towards a Tetranychidae.

55. A biocontrol composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 54, wherein the predatory individuals are from a species selected from Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi.

56. A biocontrol composition according to any one of embodiments 36 to 55, wherein breeding while feeding non-spider mite prey is breeding while feeding an Astigmatid mite species selected from: 1 ) Carpoglyphidae such as those of the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis; ti) Pyroglyphidae such as those of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; of the genus Euroglyphus, for example Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus; ti) Glycyphagidae such as those of the Crenoglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermedius, or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii, Ctenoglyphus palmifer; of the Glycyphaginae subfamily, such as those of the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or of the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphidphus fogus michaly destructor, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; of the Aëroglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the Aéroglyphus genus, for example Aëroglyphus robustus; of the Labidophorinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Gohieria, for example Gohieria. fusca; or of the Nycreriglyphinae subfamily such as those of the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or of the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, such as of the genus

Chortoglyphus for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably BE2019 / 5584 is selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, more preferably is selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor; iv) Acaridae such as those of the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, of the genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus Jarris, Acarus gracilis; of the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, of the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus; of the genus Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus; v) Suidasiidae such as those of the genus Suidasia, such as Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis.

55. Population of predatory mites Phytoseiulus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, or composition according to any one of embodiments 21 to 22 and 34, or biological control composition according to any one of the modes embodiment 36 to 56, in which the immobilized Astigmatid prey is selected from the group consisting of immobilized mites, non-viable mites, non-hatching eggs, non-viable eggs, and a combination of these. In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, a plurality of preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the following examples. EXAMPLE 1 Protocol for breeding P. persimilis by feeding it on an arthropod prey which is not spider mite In this example, the breeding is carried out by feeding P. persimilis with a mixture comprising frozen stages of development of dead C. / actis and sawdust or other carrier material (eg bran). The prey mites were immobilized by an immobilization treatment, for example by freezing them or by a BE2019 / 5584 treatment with gamma irradiation, before using them as food. The mites were fed with freeze-immobilized C. / actis, in the range of 10 to 1000 immobilized C. lactis prey individuals for one P. persimilis per day.

Example of growing conditions: Temperature: in the range of 18 ° C to 30 ° C, especially about 22 ° C.

Humidity: above 60%, especially around 85%. Using the diet mentioned above, the population of P. persimilis increased by an average of about 15%, per day.

Figure 3 graphically depicts the daily multiplication rate of P. persimilis feeding on a mixture of eggs and mobile stages of dead (freeze-killed) C. / actis during a 14-week period. As can be seen, an average increase of between about 10% and about 20% in the multiplication rate of P. persimilis was recorded per day. That is, an λ in the range 1.05 to 1.23, on average an λ of 1.15, was measured over a period of 14 weeks. In a further experiment, the measurement period was 4 weeks, and the λ value obtained was 1.27.

Methods used for the above experiments: A population of P. persimilis was raised using dead C. / actis as prey at 22 degrees Celsius and 85% relative humidity in a mixture with sawdust. Each week the mixture was weighed, and four samples containing about 50 mg were taken, placed on black tape and counted. The total population size was calculated from these numbers and 1,500 individuals were left on the farm each week. The multiplication rate was calculated by dividing the total number of individuals found by 1,500, giving the factor by which the population multiplied during that week. To switch to a daily multiplication rate, the 7th root BE2019 / 5584 of this number was determined according to the following formula:;

NG IN)% a 4: Where À is the daily multiplication rate, N (0) is the number of mites left in the farm during the previous count (1,500 in this case), N (t) is the number mites found during the current count, and t = 7.

EXAMPLE 2 Breeding of P. persimilis feeding on different species of Astigmatid mites In this experiment, different species of mites were tested as food for P. persimilis using the following protocol: Thirty (30) mites P. persimilis were isolated in modified Munger cells, and received astigmatic, freeze-immobilized mites of the species which are listed below. The food was replaced daily, and the mites were checked for signs of feeding. The signs used as indicators were a rather round full body (unlike a flat body for non-feeding mites), and a whitish coloration in contrast to the usual orange color when feeding on spider mites.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 graphically showing the percentage of P. persimilis showing signs of feeding, as manifested by their body shape and color, after receiving food for 3 consecutive days from each of the following prey species: GD = Glyciphagus domesticus (family Glycyphagidae)

LD = Lepidogyphus destructor (family of Glycyphagidae) BE2019 / 5584 DF = Dermatophagoides farinae (family of Pyroglyphidae) DP = Dermatophagoides pteronisinus (family of Pyroglyphidae) CL = Carpoglyphus lactis (family of Carpoglyphidae) It can be observed that P. feed on all of the above astigmatic prey species, with varying efficiency.

EXFMPLE 3 Reproduction of predatory mites P. persimilis feeding on prey Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) In this experiment, the prey used was life cycle stages of D. farinae immobilized by freezing.

The mites were reared by the method as described in Examples 1 and 6. Breeding was maintained for 6 weeks, and the measured daily reproduction rate was about 1.05 on average.

This demonstrates that P. persimilis can reproduce by feeding on D. farinae prey for more than two generations.

EXAMPLE 4

Use of Amblyseius swirskii as prey for P. persimilis In this experiment, 50 predatory mites received immobilized (by freezing) mites from A. swirskii as food at 22 degrees Celsius, at an RH of 85%, and checked daily.

The mites showed signs of feeding by their large body shape and whitish coloration.

When oviposition started, the eggs were removed from the population, isolated, and hatchability was monitored.

Hatching was noted followed by maturation of the resulting larvae.

When these mites matured, two were isolated to monitor them for egg laying. These females laid eggs, and hatching of the resulting eggs was BE2019 / 5584 observed. This demonstrates that P. persimilis can grow and reproduce by feeding on A. swirskii frozen as food for at least two generations, and the eggs laid in the third generation are viable.

EXFMPLE 5 Survival of P. persimilis juveniles reared by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey In this example, the survival rate of P. persimilis was measured after 3 days of development, while feeding on non-spider mite prey. spider mite. The methods used are as described in Example 2 above. As shown in Figure 5, a juvenile survival rate of at least 60% and up to about 85% was observed when P. persimilis reproduced by being fed on non-spider mite arthropod prey, specifically of an immobilized Astigmatid prey and more specifically of individuals of the family (1) of the Glyciphagidae, for example Glyciphagus domesticus (GD) and Lepidogyphus destructor (LD), (ii) of the Pyroglyphidae, for example Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronisinus (DP), and (iii) Carpoglyphidae, for example Carpoglyphus lactis (CL). EXAMPLE 6 Reproduction and selection for a population of P. persimilis exhibiting an increased reproduction rate by being fed C. lactis as prey This experiment shows the successful reproduction and selection for a population of P. persimilis adapted to be raised in being fed on C. lactis as prey. As shown in this example, the selected P. persimilis population is characterized by the advantageous and desirable properties of a significantly increased reproduction rate when reared by feeding on individuals of Astigmatid mites. Experimental protocol :

Two different populations of P. persimilis were reared using C. lactis BE2019 / 5584 immobilized by freezing as prey, at 22 degrees Celsius and at 85% relative humidity in a mixture with sawdust. The first population was a population of P. persimilis reproduced and selected for adaptation to C. / actis as a dummy host prey (designated as P +), the second population (designated as P-) was the traditional or available population. P. persimilis commercially available from BioBee Biological Systems Ltd. (Sde Eliyaho, Israel) and was raised feeding on its natural host, namely spider mites. This second population was served as a reference / control population (i.e. not exposed to non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as C. / actis). Each week a mixture of each population was weighed, and four samples containing approximately 50 mg each were taken, placed on black tape and counted. The total population size was calculated from these numbers and 1,500 individuals were left on the farm each week. The multiplication rate was calculated by dividing the total number of individuals found by 1,500, giving the factor by which the population multiplied during that week. To calculate the daily multiplication rate, the 7th root of this calculated number was determined according to the following formula: * ° NG where À is the daily multiplication rate, N (0) is the initial number of mites left in the rearing (i.e. 1,500 mites), N (t) is the total number of mites found after rearing during a period of one week, ett = 7.

It is noted that each population was maintained and measured for 4-10 weeks. The entire procedure was replicated 3 times. Reference is now made to Figure 6 demonstrating the observed differences in the daily reproduction rate (represented by λ, the finite rate of increase) between the population of P. persimilis reproduced and selected for adaptation to C. lactis as as a factitious host prey (marked as P + in Figure 6), compared to the traditional or commercially available population of P. persimilis (raised BE2019 / 5584 when fed on its natural host, i.e. spider mites) used as as control (marked as P- in Figure 6). The figure represents the means and the standard error found for the λ values during the test.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the population of P. persimilis subjected to selection for improved adaptation to breeding by being fed on individuals of C. lactis (P +) showed a markedly increased daily reproduction rate. by a factor of approximately equal to 3.6 (P + / P-: 0.18 / 0.05) when feeding on C. / actis as prey, compared to the control population of P. persimilis, not subjected to reproduction and selection process as described inter alia (P-).

Reference is now made to an embodiment of the present invention describing an exemplary scheme for obtaining populations of P. persimilis selected for and / or adapted for reproduction by feeding on non-spider mites, such as the species Carpoglyphus lactis. .

T. From the population of P. persimilis commercially available from BioBee Biological Systems Ltd. (Sde Eliyaho, Israel) (or a population of P.

persimilis bred by being fed on spider mites as used up to the present invention, defined as P-), mites have been tested for feeding by being fed Astigmatid mites and Amblyseius swirskii as as prey, using the method described in Example 2. In these feeding trials, the mites were put on various diets for 3 days, and tested for signs of feeding and survival. Survivors from different feeding trials, on a variety of different types of prey such as Astigmatid mites, were kept and new populations were formed from these survivors. These populations have also been maintained by feeding on spider mites.

II. Different additional populations, collected from 18 distinct geographic locations, were obtained. These populations were also maintained by being fed on spider mites.

II. Samples from the different populations were pooled to create a BE2019 / 5584 base population. This base population was also raised by feeding on spider mites.

IV. A sample from this base population was transferred to a new diet consisting of freeze-immobilized Carpoglyphus lactis individuals. The rearing of this basic population was continued by feeding it with immobilized C. / actis for several generations (for example for about 1 year or more) and according to embodiments of the present invention it is here defined as being the population selected (P +) for reproduction by being fed on a non-spider mite prey. The mites were fed with frozen immobilized C. lactis life cycle stages in the range of 10 to 1000 C. lactis for one P. persimilis per day.

Based on the information provided in this application, it can be expected that this protocol could also be extended to other Phytoseiulus species to make them capable of reproducing by feeding on non-spider mite (immobilized) arthropod prey, in particular Astigmatid mites (immobilized), more particularly immobilized eggs (not in the hatching phase).

EXAMPLE 7 Reference is now made to the experimental results evaluating the reproductive characteristics by feeding the P + and P- populations of P. persimilis of a non-spider mite arthropod prey (i.e. Astigmatid species, in particular immobilized C. / actis individuals. ), as described in Example 6.

The P + population reproduced by feeding on immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey (e.g. eggs and motile stages of C. / actis, both immobilized by freezing) as described herein by Examples 6.

The P- population, a commercially available population and / or any population of P. persimilis has reproduced using spider mites, as used up to the present invention (not exposed to non-spider mite arthropod prey).

Reproductive parameters tested included: daily oviposition rate, female survival (%) and percentage of females that lay eggs.

To compare the above reproduction parameters of the population of P. persimilis fed with C. [actis immobilized (for example by freezing) between the P + and P- populations, the following test was carried out.

Pregnant females were tested in single cells in which eggs and dead C. / actis larvae (freeze immobilized) were provided. These females were taken either from the P + population raised by feeding on immobilized C. lactis, or from the P- population raised by feeding on spider mites. To ensure that all females were well fed prior to the test, pregnant females were chosen directly from the two breeding populations (without a starvation phase which is usually applied by the present invention, when one. P. persimilis harvested from a spider mite farm and its diet changed). Twenty (20) replicates were performed on each treatment. The cells were incubated at 22 degrees Celsius, and at a relative humidity of 85%, and checked every two or three days for a week. At each check, mite survival, color and number of eggs laid were recorded. Food was replenished at each check-up. The sum of eggs laid during the test period per female was divided by 7 to obtain the daily oviposition rate. The results are summarized in the following Table 1: Table 1: Comparison between the P + and P- populations for the reproduction parameters Days Survival | Survival | Percentage | Percentage | Eggs / day | Eggs / day P- P + oviposition | oviposition | P- P + P- P + oee

The results presented in Table 1 clearly show that there are BE2019 / 5584 significant differences between the P + and P- populations in terms of oviposition rate, female survival, and percentage of females that lay eggs.

In all parameters tested, higher values were observed and recorded for the P. persimilis population which was raised and reproduced by being fed on developmental stages of immobilized C. / actis (P +). These values include percent survival of females in the range 80% to 100% (an average value of 93.3%); the percentage of females that lay eggs in the range 90% to 94% (an average value of 92.6%); and the daily oviposition rate in the range of 1.43 to

1.63 (an average value of 1.51 eggs / day / female). This is to be compared with the significantly lower values recorded for the P- population, namely, percentage survival of females in the range 25% to 86% (an average value of 55.6%); percentage of females that lay eggs in the range 25% to 63% (an average value of 29.3%); and daily oviposition rate in the range of 0.07 to 0.64 (an average value of 0.23 eggs / day / female). It should be noted that on the first day of the test, carried out two days after the installation of the test, some differences were already apparent between the mites from the different populations.

Survival, daily oviposition, and the percentage of mites that laid eggs were significantly higher for mites from the P + population. While some P- mites laid a few eggs that day, the eggs were orange in color, indicating that they were being metabolized from nutrients that the mites acquired while being bred on spider mites before this diet was released. replaced by the locked-in stages of the regime

C. lactis.

On the second day of the test, performed on day 4, the differences were significantly increased.

While none of the mites in the P + population died, survival was only 56% for the P- population. In addition, all but one of the mites from the P + population laid eggs, but none from the P- population, and the daily oviposition rate increased for the P + population, and was zero for the P- population. . This trend was maintained for all parameters monitored on the third day of the test (day 7 of the test), namely, significantly improved reproduction values of the P + population compared to the P- control population.

The results presented in Table 1 demonstrate that there are significant and considerable differences between the P + and P- populations in the level of oviposition, the survival of females, and the percentage of females that lay eggs. The predatory Phytoseiulus individuals of the population subjected to the breeding method of the present invention exhibit a markedly increased ability to reproduce by feeding on the non-spider mite arthropod prey compared to the currently available populations of the same Phytoseiulus species reared by feeding on spider mites. .

EXAMPLE 8 Method for rearing P. persimilis using immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey Reference is now made to an example of a method used to treat immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey (e.g. Carpoglyphus lactis eggs) to be fed as a. food to predatory mites P. persimilis or to other species of predators Phytoseiulus. This example is an embodiment within the system and method disclosed herein for breeding mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus using Astigmatid mites as prey. In this embodiment, Carpoglyphus lactis eggs are separated from the mite population by sieving. Then, while they are still wet, they are mixed with sawdust and water, in a way that coats the sawdust particles with a thin layer of eggs. After this process, the mixture is frozen. This mixture is served to P. persimilis as food. This process improves the accessibility of predators to eggs, and furthermore improves the efficiency of the breeding process for predator mites.

EXAMPLE 9 Development and reproduction of populations of P. persimilis from distinct geographical sources by feeding them on non-spider mite arthropod prey

This example aims to test the ability to complete life cycle by being fed on non-spider mite arthropod prey, for populations of P. persimilis derived from distinct sources or from distinct origins or geographic locations. For this purpose, P. persimilis populations from 3 distinct geographic locations (eg over 1000 km apart) were tested on C. lactis (freeze immobilized) as prey. From each population, a cohort of approximately 50 P. persimilis eggs was placed in study chambers along with immobilized C. / actis eggs and juveniles.

These populations were maintained at 22 degrees Celsius, and at an RH of 85%. After one week, the populations were observed. It was revealed that in all populations tested, a fraction of the mites grew, changed color to beige-white, and laid eggs. This demonstrates that P. persimilis populations of distinct geographical origins are able to thrive and reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, eg C. / actis.

To determine if a subsequent generation (e.g. a second generation) of the populations tested above would be able to complete their life cycle, eggs laid by the first generation of one of the populations were transferred to a new chamber and received the same diet. These eggs hatched, developed into adults who copulated and laid eggs. This demonstrates that P. persimilis populations derived from distinct sources (e.g. distinct geographic locations) and subjected to the rearing process of the present invention are able to reproduce by feeding on a substitution diet (i.e. arthropod prey non spider mite such as Astigmatid prey) for more than one generation.

EXAMPLE 10 Phytoseiulus longipes reared by feeding C. lactis as prey Reference is now made to an example in which breeding is carried out by feeding Phytoseiulus longipes (P. longipes), as a further representative example of the genus. Phytoseiulus, life cycle stages of C. lactis (immobilized by freezing) as prey.

Example of rearing protocol: a population of P. longipes was bred using C. lactis immobilized as prey at 22 degrees Celsius and 85% relative humidity in a mixture with sawdust, using the rearing methods as described in Examples 1 and 6. The mites showed signs of feeding as their color changed from typical reddish to white, as shown above for P. persimilis fed C. lactis (see Figures 1 and 2). In addition, all the different stages of the life cycle of P. longipes mites were observed, indicating that this species completed its development cycle by receiving this substitution diet.

The rearing was maintained for three weeks, showing that the P. longipes population can be raised by being fed a diet of immobilized C. lactis for at least this period of time.

When the farm was maintained for 6 weeks, the measured daily reproduction rate was 1.08 on average. This demonstrates that P. longipes can also reproduce by feeding on C. / actis prey immobilized for more than two generations.

EXAMPLE 11 Predatory behavior towards a Tetranychidae To assess the predatory behavior of P. persimilis bred using non-spider mite arthropod prey (eg Astigmatid species), towards spider mites, several tests were carried out.

A. Predation and oviposition on leaf discs Thirty adult females derived from a population of P. persimilis selected to breed on a non-spider mite substitute food source, particularly Astigmatid prey, have were placed individually on leaf discs infested with spider mites. The method used was according to the IOBC protocol to test the fertility of P. persimilis (van Lenteren JC, ed. 2003. Quality Control and

Production of Biological Control Agents: Theory and Testing Procedures. Wallingford, BE2019 / 5584 UK: CABI Publ. 327 pages). Four different tests were carried out during one year. It was observed that the P. persimilis mites selected and reproduced by the method of the present invention, and placed on leaf discs infested with spider mites, saw their beige-white color regain a red-orange color within a few hours. The average fertility score (eg daily reproduction rate) of these tests was 19.85 eggs per female over a 5-day period (3.97 eggs / female / day).

It is pointed out that this result is significantly above the official accepted threshold of 10 eggs per female in 5 days (see van Lenteren JC, ed. 2003. Quality Control and Production of Biological Control Agents: Theory and Testing Procedures. Wallingford, UK : CABI Publ. 327 pages). These results demonstrate that predatory mites reared using the novel and highly desirable breeding system of using non-spider mites as an alternative food source for P. persimilis, maintained and even increased their ability to consume spider mites and to eat. reproduce by feeding on spider mite prey.

P. Ability to locate spider mite prey To test whether the new population of P. persimilis mites selected to reproduce by being fed on non-spider mite prey (e.g. C. / actis), has maintained its ability to locate clusters spider mites on the plant, the following tests were carried out: Cucumber plants were infested with 25 spider mites on their upper leaf. Three days later, 10 female P. persimilis were released on the lower leaf of the plant. These females were obtained from two different treatments - either traditional breeding of P. persimilis fed on spider mites (called traditional product in Figure 7), or mites reared by being fed on dead C. / actis as prey (called new product on Figure 7). Thirteen plants (replicates) were tested for each treatment. To assess the ability to locate and reach the prey cluster, the upper leaf was observed daily for three days, and the BE2019 / 5584 number of P. persimilis reaching this leaf was recorded.

The results shown in Figure 7 show the number of predators that were found on the infested leaf at each treatment each day.

Bars indicate

Averages + - standard error.

It can be seen that predatory mites bred using the non-spider mite surrogate as prey, reached the spider mite prey clusters at significantly higher rates than predatory mites bred in the traditional way (predatory mites bred by being fed spider mites ). This indicates that not only was the ability to locate prey not adversely affected by the new rearing technology, but in fact it was significantly improved by a factor of about 1.5 to 3, per Example about 2, compared to P. persimilis traditionally reared by feeding on spider mites (referred to as a commercial product in Figure 7). vs.

Ability to control a spider mite population

To test whether the novel P. persimilis population of the present invention maintains its ability to control spider mite clumps on the plant, the following test was conducted: Groups of four cucumber plants, about one meter tall height, were placed in cages, touching each other.

The top leaf of a plant on one side of the cluster was infested with 35 spider mites.

Two days later, 20 P. persimilis females were introduced to the lower leaf of the plant farthest from the infested one.

These females were derived from two different treatments - either the P. persimilis traditionally reared by being fed on spider mites (referred to as the traditional product in Figure 8), or the P. persimilis mite population of the present invention reared by being fed on C. lactis dead as prey (referred to as new product in Figure 8). Each treatment was replicated 8 times (8 cages per treatment). Spider mites and P. persimilis were counted weekly on the infested leaf.

In addition to the numbers, three weeks after the introduction of the predators, the cages were monitored by an observer BE2019 / 5584 unaware of the identity of the treatments, and scored according to the level of spider mite control in each cage. The following index was used to rate the ability of P. persimilis to control spider mites: 0 - Spider mites spreading without control 1 - Spider mites spreading, but P. persimilis gains control 2 - Spider mites under control 3 - Control complete spider mites obtained Reference is now made to Figure 8A showing graphically the number of predators / leaf and spider mites / leaf observed at each week of sampling under the different treatments. Reference is now made to Figure 8B graphically showing the index of spider mite control found three weeks after the introduction of predators to each treatment. The results illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B demonstrate that the plants which were treated with the new P. persimilis population raised by being fed on non-prey spider mites, showed higher numbers of predatory mites, lower numbers of spider mites, and a higher control index. This indicates that the prey-control ability of the new P. persimilis population raised by being fed on non-spider mite arthropod prey, was not negatively affected, and was even surprisingly improved by about an equal factor. to 2 compared to the population of P. persimilis raised in the traditional way.

EXFMPLE 12 Slow release system for P. persimilis

Reference is now made to a description of a BE2019 / 5584 controlled release system or device for P. persimilis according to certain embodiments of the present invention. A mixture containing about 120 mobile stages and 80 eggs of P. persimilis mites reared by feeding on immobilized C. / actis prey (e.g. dead prey) and additional prey and sawdust as a vector , was inserted into four paper bags, commonly used for the slow release of predatory mites other than P. persimilis. The pouches were placed on an adhesive tape or surface under controlled conditions (22 degrees Celsius and 85% humidity). The duct tape was replaced once a week, and P.

persimilis which appeared on it were counted to assess the release rate of the reservoir. Reference is now made to Figure 9 which graphically illustrates the rate of mite release from the pouches as a function of the number of days since the installation of the experiment. In this figure, the x-axis denotes the number of days since setting up the test, the upper Y-axis denotes the number of mites / day released from the group of four sachets, and the upper y-axis represents the number of mites / day released from the group of four sachets, and the Lower Y represents the accumulated number of mites compared to the initial number put in the bags. As can be seen in Figure 9, the mites are continuously released from the reservoir over a period of 35 days, with peak release occurring around day 21 (between days 14 and 21). The total amount of mites leaving the sachets is approximately 10 times the initial amount of mites (mobile stages + eggs) put in the sachet at the starting point of the experiment. The predatory mite release rate was up to 200 mites / day from four sachets. This example demonstrates that a slow or controlled release system for P. persimilis (lasting at least about 20 days) is constructed, based on the breeding composition and method of the present invention. EXAMPLE 13 Slow release of mites in the field

This example shows the performance of a slow release system of the present invention (eg, as described in Example 4 above) under greenhouse conditions.

Pepper plants were planted in the greenhouse, and exposed to three different treatments in 5 replicates: a) A slow release sachet containing 30 individuals of P. persimilis was applied to the plants 13 days before the plants were infested with pests. spider mites. b) A slow release sachet containing 30 individuals of P. persimilis was applied to the plants 6 days before the plants were infested with spider mites.

c) Control plants which were not exposed to P. persimilis. The pouch was located on the lower parts of 1 meter tall plants. An infestation was carried out by stapling a bean leaf infested with spider mites to one of the upper leaves of the plant. The mite population on each plant was sampled 3 days after the plants were infested. Spider mites and P. persimilis mites found on or above the infested leaf were recorded. Reference is now made to Figure 10 graphically illustrating the numbers of P. persimilis (Pp) and spider mites from plants exposed to the slow release system of the present invention compared to control plants. As can be seen, predatory mites were found on plants exposed to both treatments with P. persimilis. Furthermore, the amounts of spider mites in the plants treated with P. persimilis were rapidly reduced compared to the control plants. In particular, an inverse correlation was observed between the numbers of P. persimilis and the numbers of spider mites, that is, the more P. persimilis mites were found on plants, the less spider mites were found. This experiment clearly demonstrates that P. persimilis mites, and more specifically, the composition of the present invention, is effective against infestation by spider mites.

The P. persimilis slow release system of the present invention reduced the BE2019 / 5584 spider mite population on the plant, despite the relatively long time (approximately 6 to 13 days) elapsed between the application of P. persimilis and the arrival of spider mites on the plant. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the composition and slow release system of P. persimilis as described herein in controlling spider mite infestations. EXFMPLE 14 Oviposition of P. persimilis feeding on a non-spider mite arthropod which is not a mite In this test, pregnant females were collected from the farm on immobilized life cycle stages of C. / actis ( dead C. lactis individuals), isolated and fed a diet of decapsulated Artemia cysts at 22 degrees Celsius and 100% RH. It was observed that all the mites feed easily and change color when given Artemia for a day. Eggs have been laid by P. persimilis mites, indicating that they can reproduce by feeding on Artemia cysts. As one skilled in the art will understand, further optimization and adjustments to the results can be made (which are within the skill of the skilled artisan).

This example shows that the Phytoseiulus mite species are able to reproduce by feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey using the method of the invention, as disclosed inter alia. The present disclosure demonstrates the successful oviposition of Phytoseiulus mites feeding on non-phytophagous mites, such as Astigmatid mites as well as feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey which is not a mite, such as Artemia, using the methods of the invention.

In conclusion, the present invention provides for the first time a population of P. persimilis characterized by a trait characterized by a high increased reproduction rate by being fed a substitution diet consisting of a non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably of Astigmatid mites such as C. / actis individuals as prey. This allows for highly desirable, revolutionary, indoor production of improved predatory P. persimilis mites exhibiting increased yield BE2019 / 5584 when reared fed an Astigmata species, compared to currently available P. persimilis mites, which show a markedly reduced reproduction rate and yield when reared on the same prey consisting of an Astigmata species.

References: BE2019 / 5584 Chant, D. A. & McMurtry, J. A. (2006). A review of the subfamily Amblyseiinae Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae): part VIII. The tribes Macroseiini Chant, Denmark and Baker, Phytoseiulini n. tribe, Africoseiulini n. tribe and Indoseiulini Ehara and Amano.

International Journal of Acarology 32, 13-25. Simmonds, S.P. (1970). The Possible Control of Steneotarsonemus pallidus on Strawberries by Phytoseiulus persimilis. Plant pathology 19, 106-107.

McMurtry, J.A. & Croft, B.A. (1997). Life-styles of phytoseiid mites and their roles in biological control. Annual Review of Entomology, 42, 291-321. Helle, W. & Sabelis, M.W. (1985). Spider Mites. Their Biology, Natural Enemies and Control, Vol. 1B. Elsevier, Amstedam. Gerson, U., Smiley, R.L. & Ochoa, R. (2003). Mites (Acari) for Pest Control; Blackwell Science Ltd .: Oxford, UK.

Walzer, A. & Schausberger, P. (1999). Cannibalism and interspecific predation in the phytoseiid mites Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus: predation rates and effects on reproduction and juvenile development BioControl 43: 457-468. Yao, D.S. & Chant, D.A. (1989). Population growth and predation interference between two species of predatory phytoseiid mites (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) in interactive systems. Oecologia 80: 443-455. Walzer, A, Paulus, W. & Schausberger, P. (2004) Ontogenetic shifts in intraguild predation on thrips by phytoseiid mites: the relevance of body size and diet specialization. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 94, 577-584. van de Vrie, M., McMurtry J. A. & Huffaker C. B. (1972) Ecology of tetranychid mites and their natural enemies: To review: II. Biology, ecology, and pest status, and host- plant relations of tetranychids. Hilgardia 41 (13): 343-432

Claims (18)

BE2019 / 5584 claims 1. Population of predatory mites comprising predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, in which the population is characterized by a daily oviposition rate of at least 0.55 eggs / day / female, such as> 0.60,> 0.65 ,> 0.70,> 0.75,> 0.80,> 0.90,> 0.95,> 1.00,> 1.05,> 1.10,> 1.15,> 1.20 ,> 1.25,> 1.30, = 1.35,> 1.40,> 1.45,> 1.50, = 1.55,> 1.60,> 1.65,> 1.70 ,> 1.75,> 1.80,> 1.85, = 1.90,> 1.95 or> 2.00 eggs / day / female, while feeding on non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the cycle life including immobilized eggs. 2. The predatory mite population of claim 1, wherein the population is characterized by a juvenile and / or female survival rate of at least 40% by feeding on the non-spider mite prey. 3. Population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least 10% of the female individuals of the population are characterized by an ability to produce female offspring in a number of subsequent generations, wherein the number of subsequent generations is at least 1, such as at least 2, such as at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 generations. 4. Population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the population is characterized by a daily reproduction rate in the range of about 1.10 to 1.40, such as 1.15 to. 1.40, from 1.20 to 1.40, from 1.25 to 1.40, from 1.30 to 1.40, or from 1.10 to 1.35, from 1.10 to 1.30, from 1.10 to 1.25, from 1.10 to 1.20. 5. Population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% of female individuals in the population are able to reproduce by feeding on non-BE2019 / 5584 arthropod spider mite prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as prey non-phytophagous, preferably of Astigmatid prey, most preferably of immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs. 6. The predatory mite population of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predatory individuals are from a species selected from Phytoseiulus fragariae, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Phytoseiulus robertsi. The predatory mite population of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reproduction while feeding non-spider mite prey is breeding while feeding an Astigmatid mite species selected from: 1) Carpoglyphidae such as those of the genus Carpoglyphus, for example Carpoglyphus lactis; ti) Pyroglyphidae such as those of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; of the genus Euroglyphus, for example Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus; ti) Glycyphagidae such as those of the Crenoglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermedius, or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Crenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii, Ctenoglyphus palmifer; of the Glycyphaginae subfamily, such as those of the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or of the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphidphus fogus michaly destructor, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; of the Aéroglyphinae subfamily, such as those of the Aéroglyphus genus, for example Aëroglyphus robustus; of the Labidophorinae subfamily, such as those of the genus Gohieria, for example Gohieria. fusca; or of the Nycreriglyphinae subfamily such as those of the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or from the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, such as from the genus BE2019 / 5584 Chortoglyphus for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably is selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, more preferably is selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor; iv) Acaridae such as those of the genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, of the genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus Jarris, Acarus gracilis; of the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, of the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus; of the genus Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus; v) Suidasiidae such as those of the genus Suidasia, such as Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis. 8. A mite-based composition comprising a population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 7 together with a vector material, such as a vector material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, husks. buckwheat, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof, preferably a vector having vector elements comprising shelters for mites. 9. A mite composition according to claim 8, comprising a food source for predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, wherein the food source comprises non-spider mite arthropod prey, preferably immobilized non-spider mite arthropod prey, such as. 'non-phytophagous prey, preferably Astigmatid prey, most preferably immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as immobilized Astigmatid prey, particularly Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the life cycle including immobilized eggs. 10. Use of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably of an immobilized non-spider mite arthropod species, such as non-phytophagous prey, preferably of an Astigmatid species, most preferably of an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized BE2019 / 5584 life cycle stages including immobilized eggs, as a source of feed, preferably as farmed prey, for a population of predatory mites of predatory individuals Phytoseiulus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 11. The use of claim 10, wherein said use comprises releasing individuals of a non-spider mite species of arthropod, preferably an immobilized non-spider mite species of arthropod, such as non-phytophagous prey, of preferably an Astigmatid species, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, such as most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid species, in particular a Carpoglyphus species, exhibiting immobilized stages of the cycle life comprising immobilized eggs, preferably the use comprises the release of the non-spider mite arthropod species using a device comprising an outlet for the mobile stages of the life cycle of the non-spider mite arthropod species, preferably an output suitable for providing sustained release of a number of moving stages of the life cycle. 12. Device for the release of individuals of a species of predatory Phytoseiulus mite, said device comprising a reservoir containing a population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 7, preferably in a composition according to. any of claims 8 to 9, wherein the device comprises an output for the mobile stages of the life cycle of the predatory Phytoseiulus mite species, preferably an output suitable for providing a sustained release of some number of moving stages in the life cycle. 13. Use of a population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or of a composition based on mites according to any one of claims 8 to 9, preferably in a device according to claim 12, for crop protection. 14. A method of rearing predatory individuals Phytoseiulus, said method BE2019 / 5584 comprising the provision of a population of predatory mites according to any one of claims 1 to 7, preferably in a composition according to any one of. claims 8-9 and allowing predatory Phytoseiulus individuals to feed on non-spider mite arthropod prey. 15. A method for obtaining a predatory mite population according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a breeding population of a predatory mite species selected from among. the genus Phytoseiulus, said breeding population comprising individuals of the species Phytoseiulus preferably together with a food source suitable for individuals Phytoseiulus, said food source comprising a prey species selected from Tetranychidae; (b) providing a preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod, preferably an Astigmatid mite species, most preferably an immobilized Astigmatid mite species having immobilized life cycle stages comprising immobilized eggs; (c) providing the preselected non-spider mite arthropod species to Phytoseiulus individuals as a food source; (d) selecting those Phytoseiulus individuals which are capable of reproduction while using the preselected non-spider mite arthropod individuals as a food source; (e) rearing the selected Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with a food source comprising the preselected species of non-spider mite arthropod; (f) optionally, alternately, breeding the selected Phytoseiulus individuals in a sequence of: - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a feed source comprising the preselected species of arthropod no spider mite; - breeding for at least 2, such as between 5 and 50, generations while using a food source comprising the prey species selected from Tetranychidae. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the BE2019 / 5584 steps of: a. separation of eggs from the preselected non-spider mite species; b. mixing the separated eggs with a carrier material, such as a carrier material selected from sawdust, wheat bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks or millet husks, or comprising a mixture thereof and water, so as to coat the carrier material with a layer of eggs; vs. freezing the mixture; and D. breeding Phytoseiulus individuals by providing them with the mixture as a source of food. 17. The method of any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the breeding population provided is a population composed of a number of sub-populations, wherein said sub-populations originate from separate sources, such as from. distinct production populations and / or isolated natural populations from distinct geographic locations. 18. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the breeding population provided comprises at least 100 individuals, such as between 200 and 5000 individuals, preferably between 500 and 1500 individuals.