Phytophagous and predatory mites of pistachio trees in Iran

A survey of mites on pistachio trees, Pistacia vera (L.) and P. mutica Fisher & Meyer, was conducted in the major pistachio growing regions of Iran (Kerman province) during the period 1991-1994. Eleven species of phytophagous and predatory mites were found on the aerial parts of the pistachio trees. The most injurious mites are Aceria pistaciae (Nalepa), Aceria stefanii (Nalepa), and Tenuipalpus granati Sayed. Furthermore, the phytbphagous mites Cenopalpus irani (Dosse) and Brevipalpus sp. (near bagdasariani) were also observed on the leaves and twigs of the pistachio trees. Four species of predatory mites, namely, Abrolophus sp., Anystis baccarum (L.), Paraseiulus porosus Kolodochka, and Phytoseius corniger Wainstein were mainly found in colonies of the common pistachio psylla (Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer), while two other species, Cheletogenes ornatus (Can. & Fanz.) and Neophyllobius pistaciae Bolland & Mehrnejad, were encountered in pistachio scale insect colonies (Pistaciaspis pistaciae Archan and Salisicola davatchii Bala Kauss).