Plant Protection: Focusing on Phytophagous Mites
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 385
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant protection; IPM; biopesticides; acaricides; spider mites; acarology
Interests: biological control; IPM; plant-herbivore interactions; ecology; acarology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plants provide habitats and feed sources for various groups of mites (Acari). Among these, plant-feeding (phytophagous) mites are of greatest economic importance. Spider mites (family Tetranychidae) are among the most notorious mite pests affecting crops, ornamentals and other plants. Additionally, economically important pests are also found in other mite families, such as rust and gall mites (Eriophyidae), broad mites (Tarsonemidae), and flat mites (Tenuipalpidae). On the other hand, plants also host predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae, which play a crucial role as natural enemies of pest mites (and insects). Traditionally, the use of synthetic acaricides has long been the primary strategy for protecting plants from the phytophagous mites. However, this strategy has proven to be unsustainable, due to the rapid development of resistance in spider mites, along with the adverse effects on non-target organisms, the environment, human health, etc. To address these challenges, various alternatives have been suggested, including biological control with phytoseiids and other predators, acaricide resistance management strategies, the introduction of synthetic acaricides with improved environmental profiles and novel modes of action, and the use of biological acaricides. In modern plant protection, an integrated approach that combines chemical, biological, cultural, and other control tactics is essential within integrated pest management (IPM) programs for phytophagous mites.
This Special issue welcomes original research articles, reviews, opinion articles and other types of submissions covering the following topics:
- Plant–mite interactions for pest management;
- Biology and ecology of phytophagous mites and predatory mites;
- Chemical control: acaricide toxicology and resistance;
- Biological acaricides: properties and use in managing phytophagous mites;
- Biological control of phytophagous mites;
- Integrated management of phytophagous mites.
Dr. Dejan Marčić
Dr. Maria Pappas
Dr. Ismail Döker
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- phytophagous mites
- spider mites
- predatory mites
- chemical control
- biopesticide control
- biological control
- integrated pest management
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